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Regional Peacekeeping Force: Bougainville Peace Agreement

Implementations

Regional Peacekeeping Force – 2001

The Peace Monitoring Group (PMG), which was led by Australia and comprised of unarmed military and civilian members from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Vanuatu, was present in Bougainville since 1998. The PMG initially consisted of about 300 personnel, including 90 peace monitors and about 200 support personnel. The majority, between 240 and 250, of the PMG’s personnel were Australian. The New Zealand Defence Force provided 30 people, and Fiji and Vanuatu provided 15 each. All PMG personnel were unarmed.¹

The PMG monitored the peace agreement, reported on ceasefire violations, and supported the peace process.² The PMG was also involved in the weapon disposal programs.

“Australia to Command Peace Monitoring Group on Bougainville,” Joint Media Release, 30 April 1998, http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/1998/fa053_98.html.
Natascha Spark and Jackie Bailey, “Disarmament in Bougainville: ‘guns in boxes,'” International Peacekeeping 12(4): 602, 2005.

Regional Peacekeeping Force – 2002

The Peace Process Consultative Committee (PPCC), comprising representatives from the Bougainville Revolutionary Army, Bougainville Resistance Force, the National Government, the provincial Government, and donor agencies met in Hutjena in second week of June 2002 to discuss immediate issues concerning the island. Among the resolutions adopted was the resolution on the likely exit dates for the Peace Monitoring Group (PMG) and United Nations Observer Mission in Bougainville (UNOMB).¹ The PMG remained in Bougainville throughout 2002 and was involved in the weapons disposal program.

“Papua New Guinea: Bougainville peace committee outlines procedures,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, June 14, 2002.

Regional Peacekeeping Force – 2003

In June 2003, the PMG withdrew its monitoring mission and was replaced by a much smaller, entirely civilian Bougainville Transition Team (BTT). The BTT is made up of personnel from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Vanuatu. This marks the end of a regional peacekeeping force. Regional peace monitors were withdrawn in 2003.