A former leader of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army is one of those working assiduously to ensure the success of the upcoming referendum on independence from Papua New Guinea.
Ishmael Toroama speaking at PNG think-tank, The National Research Institute. Photo: The National Research Institute
The vote is due to start on 12 October and Ishmael Toroama said it is vitally important for Bougainville and Bougainvilleans.
He has been touring the region, sometimes with the reggae band he manages, Ogffsprins, in tow, raising awareness about the vote and the need to dispose of weapons ahead of the referendum.
"It is a way of getting the message to the former fighters and they understand and then we have discussions, and as a result they give up their weapons. But the process is still continuing. Now we are moving into the Me'ekamui areas - we have made contact with the Me'ekemui command."
