Bishop Dariusz Kaluza MSF reflects on Bougainville Peace Agreement

“On this day we thank God for guiding us from conflict to peace and we look forward with faith, courage and determination to continue building a just, peaceful and prosperous Bougainville. We remember with gratitude those who sacrificed their lives so our children could inherit a future free from war”

His Lordship Bishop Dariusz Kaluza MSF

These were the words of His Lordship Bishop Dariusz Kaluza MSF when reflecting on the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement during a commemoration ceremony organized by the Yumi Wan Advocates, an ecumenical faith – based group.

Yet from the ashes of suffering, a covenant of Hope was born:

He said the signing of the BPA on August 30^th, 2001 marked the end of one of the darkest chapters in our history. A chapter that was written with blood, tears and sacrifices that we will never forget.

Looking at the three pillars at which the BPA was built upon: Autonomy, Weapons Disposal and Referendum, Bishop Dariusz said these were not just pillars of an agreement but the foundation for a new Bougainville.

How strong is our Autonomy?

Reflecting on Bougainville’s autonomy 24 years later, he encouraged Bougainvilleans to also reflect on Bougainville’s journey and their personal journeys as well and how they have contributed toward a better and peaceful Bougainville where schools, health centers and churches thrive without fear of division.

“Peace is not just the absence of war, it also includes justice, dignity, and equal opportunities for all. Peace means quality education, fair leadership, security and respect for our land. Peace means no child is denied education, no family goes without healthcare and no community remains in poverty”

He also emphasized that peace is not only what was signed 24 years ago but it is what we must live and build every single day and encouraged everyone to acknowledge the progress that has been made over the years while using the challenges as steppingstones.

Autonomy depends on honesty, good governance and collective responsibility:

“The outcome of the Referendum is still ahead of us, and independence is no longer a distant dream. It is a reality at our doorstep, ready to be embraced with wisdom, patience and unity. However, peace and reconciliation remain fragile and in some communities reminding us that the work of peace is never truly finished”.

Bishop Dariusz said that the 2019 Referendum was a clear and brave expression of the people’s voice and moving from that voice to full realization requires perseverance, unity and most importantly, peace.

“We must prevent division, violence or mistrust from taking root again. Our future depends on our ability to stay united, act responsibly and work together for the best interest of Bougainville”

Currently, Bougainville is in the midst of its elections. This is crucial time for us. The leaders that we select today will shape our children’s future tomorrow. I urge every voter, choose wisely donot pick leaders based on money or fleeting promises. Choose men and women of integrity people who can drive Bougainville with vision,honesty and unity. Our peace depends on strong leadership.

At the same time, we face challenges that must not be ignored.

Reflecting on the elections, he said that the election is a crucial time for everyone because the leaders that we select today will shape our children’s future and he urged every eligible voter to vote wisely and not choose leaders because of money or fleeting promises.

Let us choose dialogue over guns, reconciliation over division:

Bishop Dariusz reflected on a few in Arawa, rural Wakunai, Siwai, Tonu and Konnou where there is fighting and division and described it as a deep wound in the land.

“Violence will never solve our problem; it only destroys the peace that we have worked so hard to build. We also see how our children suffer. In Tabago, a school has closed. Health facilities have also shut down”

He emphasized that education and health must be a priority and the foundation of true freedom and development and we cannot speak of a bright future if our children cannot sit in a classroom and learn and our mothers cannot deliver babies under the protection of doctors and nurses nor can our sick brothers and sisters be left with only a prayer for their healing because there is no medicine.

Projects should be guided by vision, not just short-term gains:

“We cannot ignore the development happening around us. Too often we see projects ‘springing up like mushrooms’ appearing here and there and sometimes I get the impression that they are being carried out without proper planning , vision or consideration of the community’s true needs. Proper development isn’t noise and chaos, it is grounded steady and life giving”

He said land is an issue that must be talked about. It is life and it represents our culture, our home and our inheritance.

He raised concerns on the new Land Act for Bougainville which was approved and gazette on December 11, 2024, including the Customary land act 2024, the Bougainville Government land act 2024, the Bougainville Land registers act 2024 and the Bougainville Planning and development act 2024 which were passed by the Bougainville House of Representatives, causing confusion and raising questions about whether the spirit of the Peace Agreement is being honored.

“It is also unclear if the faith of the people and their churches which provided spiritual, moral values and were the first places for development, education and health where community life was built on community church land is recognized and respected in this new Lands Act”

He added that we cannot afford to make mistakes on the issue of land if it is not managed transparently and with respect for tradition, peace could be seriously threatened.

Peace agreement is more than just a political achievement:

“As people of faith, we recognize that the peace agreement is more than just a political achievement -it is a testament to God’s healing power and the courage of those who work for peace”

The words of Christ still guides us. “Blessed are the Peace Makers, for they shall be called children of God. (Mathew 5:9).

The peacemakers of Bougainville chose dialogue over destruction, forgiveness over hatred and reconciliation over revenge. We are their heirs and we are all called to follow in their footsteps. Forgiveness is at the core of our journey.

In the Lord’s Prayer, we say “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us (Mathew 6:12) to forgive is not to forget, but to turn pain into new beginnings.

True reconciliation is not a sign of weakness- it is strength. The power to overcome evil with good, as St Paul reminds us: Donot be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.(Ro 12;21).

On this anniversary, let us renew our commitment to this cause. Let us recommit ourselves to the values of the Bougainville Peace Agreement- Autonomy, democracy, reconciliation and self determination.

Let us honour those who sacrificed their lives by making sure their sacrifice was meaningful. Let us turn peace into a living reality, not just in agreements and speeches, but in our families, communities, schools and government.

“My brothers and sisters, the Peace Agreement was built on trust-trust in God, trust in one another, trust in our leaders, and trust in the path we are on. Today we are called to renew that trust. Let us stand firm for unity, justice, protecting our land, and securing the future of our children”

And to you the young people of Bougainville: You are the future of this land. While you did not live through the war, you live with its consequences.

Do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Use your energy, talents and voices for peace, for education, and to build a better Bougainville. Take pride of your land, and take responsibility for your future.

One day, Bougainville’s leadership will rest in your hands. Prepare now to lead with wisdom, courage, and love for your people.

As we mark 24 years of peace, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a strong, united and prepared Bougainville for the future.

With God’s blessing, wise leadership, and the courage of our people, we will continue moving forward on the path of peace.

And so I pray: May the Lord bless our land.