13 Apr 2010

Bougainville chief calls for action to curb Mekamui lawlessness

9:15 am on 13 April 2010

A chief in the autonomous Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville says the President, James Tanis, has to immediately address a worsening law and order situation.

A local radio station, New Dawn, reports that Chief Francis Mona's comments follow the killing of a man late last week during the first week of campaigning for the second ABG elections.

The radio reports that the chief had left his southern Bougainville village following raids by Mekamui rebels, saying that the problems need to be addressed before more deaths occur.

Mr Mona is quoted saying the Konnou people had been living in fear for too long and the government must address the law and order situation once and for all.

He says if the ABG is not capable of containing the situation, outside assistance should be called in.