The president of the Autonomous region of Bougainville, Hon James Tanis and his delegation were moved and touched by what they saw at the reconciliation ceremony at Dusei village in South Bougainville on Sunday.
The reconciliation ceremony saw young and old people reconciled over past wrong actions during the Bougainville conflict.
A total of 54 cases ranging from false accusations to destruction of property, murder, stealing and killing of pigs and other domestic animals were reconciled.
The president and his delegation that including Peace Minister, Hon Robert Hamal Sawa, Local Level Government Minister, Jonathan Ngati, and ABG members, Hon Ben Takusi and Hon Micheal Komoiki were moved by the actions of the people to reconcile.
Victims lined one side while the attackers on the other side apologised and publicly sought pardons. The victims accepted the apologies publicly.
Before shaking hands and hugging each other, men from each side were given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the group.
People from both sides shed tears during an act that moved and touched officials and visitors alike.
One leader, Francis Loio, received a big aluminum cooking pot taken away from him during a raid and the burning down of his house nine years ago.
Mr Loio said he lost a large number of valuables including a house during the crisis.
President Tanis said he was happy that the people of Dusei wanted to forgive each other and move on with peace building.
What they have set out to do is exactly what the ABG government is doing.
The five hour program ended with the sharing of food prepared especially for the occasion.
This is really great news to read. Mi amamas tru ! It takes a lot to say 'Sorry' and also a lot to forgive. The Bougainville conflict / crisis will not be really finished until all parties in every district and village have truly reconciled.
I have photographs, news cuttings and stories of some of the first Reconciliation Ceremonies on Bougainville from over 10 years ago. I know it is a long process.
I hope an pray that this process will continue.
mi amamas tru, na mi hope ol i ken sindaun i stap bel isi.
Posted by: Paul | 01 February 2010 at 07:10 AM
Mirahu Meng!!
This is what I want to hear and it is very heart warming to know that people from my area are now getting back togather again.
God Bless you all at Ruhwaku Area.
June
Posted by: June | 22 January 2010 at 12:58 PM