Community Peace and Safety in Post-Conflict Bougainville. Part 2: Visions and Realities

Abstract

In Part 1 of this In Brief series we argued that while growing concerns with crime and lawlessness have led the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and other leaders to call for tougher policing and justice responses, there remains a critical need for continuing peacebuilding efforts. In Part 2 we discuss the ABG’s stated desire to develop truly autochthonous community and custom based policing, justice and security post-conflict. We contrast this intent with what has actually happened, particularly in terms of policing, and what is being planned as part of a new local security and governance approach following the referendum in 2019.