Bougainville's Attorney-General, Ezekiel Massat, has expressed dismay at the announced appointment for the Deputy Chief of Bougainville Police Service by Papua New Guinea's Police Commissioner. In a statement released on Thursday, March 7th Massat criticized Police Commissioner David Manning and Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Junior for what he termed as a breach of the Constitution and the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA). Massat emphasized that the Organic Law and the BPA stipulate that consultation with the Bougainville Government is mandatory for such appointments, highlighting his disappointment at the lack of adherence to the law. “Commissioner Manning, the National Minister for Police and the National Government are in breach of the Constitution and the BPA.” “Section 26 of the Organic Law and section 237 of the BPA cannot be any clearer (in that) appointing the Head of the Bougainville Police Service, the Commissioner MUST consult with the Bougainville Government and it is the Nominee from the Bougainville Government that is to be appointed.” He called upon Minister Tsiamalili to ensure that the Commissioner acts in the best interest of Bougainville and demanded that consultations be initiated to appoint the Head of the Bougainville Police Service, stressing the importance of respecting Bougainville's wishes and nominees as required by law and the BPA. “I am disappointed in the lack of consultations and blatant breach of the Laws, particularly when you are supposed to be the first to portray respect and compliance with the Rule of Law.” “The actions of Commissioner Manning adds to the public perception that there are different sets of Laws.” “Worse still is the perception that the Commissioner can decide which Laws to adhere to and those he can ignore and breach.” “I call on the Minister for Police (Internal Security Minister) to pull his Commissioner into line.” “Bougainville is not an ignorant fool.” “I call on Minister Tsiamalili to direct his Commissioner to open up consultations on the appointment of the Head of the Bougainville Police Service.” “Bougainville’s wishes and nominee (if any) must be respected as required by law and the BPA.” Attorney-General Massat further expressed concern about the National Government's frequent actions without consulting Bougainville, highlighting a lack of progress in Bougainville's path to independence from PNG. He voiced disappointment in the National Government’s alleged disregard for Bougainville's people, peace agreements, and legal frameworks, citing specific instances such as the postponement of parliamentary sessions without Bougainville's input. For instance, the Era Kone Covenant required Parliament to ratify referendum results in 2023, yet sessions were adjourned to 2024 without Bougainville's consultation, indicating a continuous breach of trust. “When we expected the National Government to deal with the Bougainville issue in February, the Parliament adjourns to May 28th.” “It disappoints me that the National Government continues to treat the Bougainville people, the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Part IVX of the Organic Law, the Constitution, and various Agreements with careless disregard and disdain.” “Bougainville will not be appeased and hoodwinked by the number of new Police vehicles brought in through the Security Treaty.” “We are very clear on the National Governments' devious and devilish intentions and strategies.”