Ban mourns death of Bougainville leader

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his sadness at the death of Joseph Kabui, the first president of the Autonomous Bougainville Government in Papua New Guinea.

“President Kabui was known as a skilled mediator and peacemaker who had a genuine interest in the future of his people,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement. “He played a crucial role in bringing peace to Bougainville, following the years of conflict, achieving autonomy for the province in 2005.”

Mr. Ban offered his condolences to the family of Mr. Kabui and the people of Bougainville.

“The late President Kabui enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the United Nations, through the peace negotiations and the years of the UN Observer Mission to Bougainville and the Political Office that followed.”