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AllAfrica
12-06-2025
- Business
- AllAfrica
How China is paving way for Bougainville independence
Bougainville, an autonomous archipelago currently part of Papua New Guinea, is determined to become the world's newest country. To support this process, it's offering foreign investors access to a long-shuttered copper and gold mine. Formerly owned by the Australian company Rio Tinto, the Panguna mine caused displacement and severe environmental damage when it operated between 1972 and 1989. It also sparked a decade-long civil war from 1988 to 1998 that killed an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 civilians and caused enduring traumas and divisions. Industry players believe 5.3 million tonnes of copper and 547 tonnes of gold remain at the site. This is attracting foreign interest, including from China. Australia views Bougainville as strategically important to 'inner security arc.' The main island is about 1,500 kilometers from Queensland's Port Douglas. Given this, the possibility of China's increasing presence in Bougainville raises concerns about shifting allegiances and the potential for Beijing to exert greater influence over the region. Bougainville is a small island group in the South Pacific with a population of about 300,000. It consists of two main islands: Buka in the north and Bougainville Island in the south. Bougainville has a long history of unwanted interference from outsiders, including missionaries, plantation owners and colonial administrations (German, British, Japanese and Australian). Two weeks before Papua New Guinea received its independence from Australia in 1975, Bougainvilleans sought to split away, unilaterally declaring their own independence. This declaration was ignored in both Canberra and Port Moresby, but Bougainville was given a certain degree of autonomy to remain within the new nation of PNG. The opening of the Panguna mine in the 1970s further fractured relations between Australia and Bougainville. Landowners opposed the environmental degradation and limited revenues they received from the mine. The influx of foreign workers from Australia, PNG and China also led to resentment. Violent resistance grew, eventually halting mining operations and expelling almost all foreigners. Under the leadership of Francis Ona, the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) fought a long civil war to restore Bougainville to Me'ekamui , or the 'Holy Land' it once was. Australia supported the PNG government's efforts to quell the uprising with military equipment, including weapons and helicopters. After the war ended, Australia helped broker the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001. Although aid programs have since begun to heal the rift between Australia and Bougainville, many Bougainvilleans feel Canberra continues to favor PNG's territorial integrity. Bougainville school children display a giant flag of Bougainville during the 2005 celebration of the swearing in of the new assembly for the island. Photo: Lloyd Jones / AAP via The Conversation In 2019, Bougainvilleans voted overwhelmingly for independence in a referendum. Australia's response, however, was ambiguous. Despite a slow and frustrating ratification process, Bougainvilleans remain adamant they will become independent by 2027. As Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama, a former BRA commander, told me in 2024: We are moving forward. And it's the people's vision: independence. I'm saying, no earlier than 2025, no later than 2027. My benchmark is 2026, the first of September. I will declare. No matter what happens. I will declare independence on our republican constitution. Bougainville leaders see the reopening of Panguna mine as key to financing independence. Bougainville Copper Limited, the Rio Tinto subsidiary that once operated the mine, backs this assessment. The Bougainville Autonomous Government has built its own gold refinery and hopes to create its own sovereign wealth fund to support independence. The mine would generate much-needed revenue, infrastructure and jobs for the new nation. But reopening the mine would also require addressing the ongoing environmental and social issues it has caused. These include polluted rivers and water sources, landslides, flooding, chemical waste hazards, the loss of food security, displacement, and damage to sacred sites. The newly built gold refinery in Arawa town. Photo: Anna-Karina Hermkens, Author provided via The Conversation (no reuse) Many of these issues have been exacerbated by years of small-scale alluvial mining by Bougainvilleans themselves, eroding the main road into Panguna. Some also worry reopening the mine could reignite conflict, as landowners are divided about the project. Mismanagement of royalties could also stoke social tensions. Violence related to competition over alluvial mining has already been increasing at the mine. More broadly, Bougainville is faced with widespread corruption and poor governance. The Bougainville government cannot deal with these complex issues on its own. Nor can it finance the infrastructure and development needed to reopen the mine. This is why it's seeking foreign investors. Historically, China has a strong interest in the region. According to Pacific researcher Anna Powles, Chinese efforts to build relationships with Bougainville's political elite have increased over the years. Chinese investors have offered development packages contingent on long-term mining revenues and Bougainville's independence. Bougainville is showing interest. Patrick Nisira, the minister for commerce, trade, industry and economic development, said last year the proposed Chinese infrastructure investment is 'aligning perfectly with Bougainville's nationhood aspirations.' The government has also reportedly made overtures to the United States, offering a military base in Bougainville in return for support reopening the mine. Given American demand for minerals, Bougainville could very well end up in the middle of a battle between China and the US over influence in the new nation, and thus in our region. Looking for gold on the Panguna mine tailings. Photo: Anna-Karina Hermkens via The Conversation There is support in Bougainville for a future without large-scale mining. One minister, Geraldine Paul, has been promoting the islands' booming cocoa industry and fisheries to support an independent Bougainville. The new nation will also need new laws to hold the government accountable and protect the people and culture of Bougainville. As Paul told me in 2024: […]the most important thing is we need to make sure that we invest in our foundation and that's building our family and culture. Everything starts from there. What happens in Bougainville affects Australia and the broader security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. With September 1 2026 just around the corner, it is time for Australia to intensify its diplomatic and economic relationships with Bougainville to maintain regional stability. Anna-Karina Hermkens is senior lecturer and researcher in anthropology, Macquarie University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island's Tyrique Hyde makes shock marriage confession as ex Ella Thomas moves on with Lloyd Jones
LOVE Island's Tyrique Hyde has stunned with a shock marriage confession - admitting he's finally ready to settle down. It comes just weeks after his ex Ella Thomas, 25, confirmed she's moved on with footballer Lloyd Jones, 29, with a string of love-up Instagram snaps. 4 4 During a recent gaming livestream, reality star Tyrique, 26, was caught off guard when asked about his relationship goals. But in a rare moment of candid honesty, he revealed: 'No, I'm ready.' 'For what exactly?' asked influencer Destini Dolor, prompting Tyrique to clarify: 'Marriage, kids.' When quizzed further on what marriage meant to him, he gave the blunt response: 'Piece of paper." Destini quickly pushed back, saying: 'Wow, okay, that's not what I mean by marriage.' While Tyrique is thought to be single, Ella's found a new man in Charlton Althletic player, Lloyd. Earlier this month, Lloyd shared a photo on Instagram with Ella - confirming their relationship. The footy ace was seen collecting an award for Player of the Season, at his club Charlton Athletic. He looked proud as he was pictured holding the cup, as well as going to collect it on the pitch. Then in a final photo at the end of the carousel of images, Lloyd posted a snap standing next to Ella. Love Island's Ella Thomas supports new footballer boyfriend after split with Tyrique Not long after Lloyd's post, Tyrique took to his own Instagram to share a throwback photo of him on Love Island. The photo showed him smiling, but the subtitle of his audio read: "Nah, I'm very sad, trust me." The reality beauty was first linked to Lloyd when she was spotted liking his posts on Instagram with the pair following each other on the app. She was spotted supporting him at a football match over the weekend. Lloyd has also had a taste of the reality dating scene, having appeared on US show Love Undercover on Peacock last year. It follows an elite group of international football stars who come to the United States on a secret quest for true love with their pick of 18 women, all of whom have no idea they were famous. Prior to their split, Ella and Tyrique appeared on the 2023 series of Love Island, coming in third place. After first splitting in November 2023, they called time on their relationship permanently in February 2024. However, their cordial break-up later turned sour, they've been swerving each other at events ever since. A source at the time close to Ty and Ella told The Sun: "They have tried really hard but just been having constant arguments. "At the end of day they want different things and it's too hard to make it work." 4
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island's Ella Thomas looks loved-up with new boyfriend as they cosy up on night out after Tyrique's swipe
LOVE Island star Ella Thomas was seen dancing with her new footballer boyfriend on a night out after splitting with Tyrique Hyde. The Love Island beauty, 25, posted a video from the club as she cosied up to Charlton Althletic player Lloyd Jones. 6 6 6 She previously had an on/off relationship with Tyrique, 26, before they broke for good in early 2024. Ella couldn't stop smiling as she held hands with Lloyd in another video of them attending her pal's birthday. The Scottish model and influencer stunned in a red corset dress with a ruffled skirt. She wore her hair back in a sleek high ponytail and lashings of make-up to complete the glam look. Earlier this month, Lloyd, 29, shared a photo on Instagram with Ella - confirming their relationship. The footy ace was seen collecting an award for Player of the Season, at his club Charlton Athletic. He looked proud as he was pictured holding the cup, as well as going to collect it on the pitch. Then in a final photo at the end of the carousel of images, Lloyd posted a snap standing next to Ella. Not long after Lloyd's post, Ell'a ex Tyrique Hyde took to his own Instagram to share a throwback photo of him on Love Island. The photo showed him smiling, but the subtitle of his audio read: "Nah, I'm very sad, trust me." Love Island's Ella Thomas supports new footballer boyfriend after split with Tyrique The reality beauty was first linked to Lloyd when she was spotted liking his posts on Instagram with the pair following each other on the app. She was spotted supporting him at a football match over the weekend. Lloyd has also had a taste of the reality dating scene, having appeared on US show Love Undercover on Peacock last year. It follows an elite group of international football stars who come to the United States on a secret quest for true love with their pick of 18 women, all of whom have no idea they were famous. Prior to their split, Ella and Tyrique appeared on the 2023 series of Love Island, before coming in third place. After first splitting in November 2023, they called time on their relationship permanently in February 2024. However, their cordial break-up later turned sour, they've been swerving each other at events ever since. A source at the time close to Ty and Ella told The Sun: "They have tried really hard but just been having constant arguments. "At the end of day they want different things and it's too hard to make it work." 6 6
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island's Ella Thomas supports new footballer boyfriend after split with Tyrique
LOVE Island star Ella Thomas was seen supporting her new footballer boyfriend, after splitting with Tyrique Hyde. The Love Island beauty, 25, previously had an on/off relationship with Tyrique, 26, before they broke for good in early 2024. 6 6 6 6 But Ella has moved on with footballer Lloyd Jones, 29, who currently plays for Charlton Athletic. Taking to Instagram, the former Islander shared a video which saw her watching her man's latest match. Ella could be seen watching from one of the VIP boxes. When Lloyd's team scored the reality star could be seen cheering with joy. INSTAGRAM OFFICIAL Earlier this month, Lloyd shared a photo on Instagram with Ella - confirming their relationship. The footy ace was seen collecting an award for Player of the Season, at his club Charlton Athletic. He looked proud as he was pictured holding the cup, as well as going to collect it on the pitch. Then in a final photo at the end of the carousel of images, Lloyd posted a snap standing next to Ella. Fans were quick to take to the comments, with one person writing: 'yes we love a hard launchhhh.' A second penned: 'Ella ❤️❤️ Take care of the queen, don't let her go.' Love Island's Ella hits back at Whitney with new TikTok video after she's accused of BULLYING former best friend And a third echoed: 'I am here for @ellathomas_ she is the ultimate hot girl.' The reality beauty was first linked to Lloyd when she was spotted liking his posts on Instagram with the pair following each other on the app. Het new boyfriend returned the favour, and liked a string of Ella's sexy snaps. Lloyd has also had a taste of the reality dating scene, having appeared on US show Love Undercover on Peacock last year. It follows an elite group of international football stars who come to the United States on a secret quest for true love with their pick of 18 women, all of whom have no idea they were famous. 6 6 THE EX FILES Prior to their split, Ella and Tyrique appeared on the 2023 series of Love Island, before coming in third place. After first splitting in November 2023, they called time on their relationship permanently in February 2024. However, their cordial break-up later turned sour, they've been swerving each other at events ever since. A source at the time close to Ty and Ella told The Sun: "They have tried really hard but just been having constant arguments. "At the end of day they want different things and it's too hard to make it work."
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Love Island's Ella Thomas confirms relationship with footballer in sweet snaps after ex Tyrique Hyde took a subtle swipe
Ella Thomas has confirmed she is loved up with footballer Lloyd Jones as she shared a slew of romantic snaps to social media on Monday, shortly after her ex Tyrique Hyde took a subtle swipe. After weeks of speculation, the Love Island star, 25, finally went Instagram official with the League One club Charlton Athletic star. Lloyd was the first one to go public with their romance on May 4, as he uploaded a sweet photo of Ella proudly supporting him as he accepted his club's Player of the Season award. Now Ella has returned the favour by sharing a carousel of love-up snaps with her new man during a romantic evening together. In the snaps, the reality star sizzled in a black plunging halter neck dress as she joined her dapper beau in the car. The pair then put on a cosy display as they posed for a selfie at what appeared to be an awards night ceremony. This was followed by a snap of herself in the mirror of an elevator as they headed to the glitzy event. Ella captioned the snaps: 'Recently,' with a black heart emoji. It comes not long after her ex Tyrique, whom she met on Love Island, appeared to take a cryptic swipe at her new relationship. Following Lloyd's post, Tyrique took to his own Instagram Stories, sharing a throwback photo of himself in the confessional on Love Island. In the shot, he's seen beaming at the camera - but the subtitle underneath reads: 'Nah, I'm very sad, trust me.' The timing didn't go unnoticed by fans, with many believing it was a subtle dig or reaction to Ella's new relationship reveal. Ella and Tyrique met during the tenth series of the dating show and was heavily tested with some dramatic ups and downs. They blissfully exited the villa together, with their relationship appearing to be stronger than ever. Shortly after leaving the villa, the couple announced they'd split in November 2023, before trying to give it another go. In February 2024, MailOnline exclusively revealed Ella and Tyrique had parted ways permanently - after six months as a couple. A source told MailOnline: 'Ella and Tyrique have decided it's time to go their separate ways. 'They have such love for each other, but they often struggle to get along and as viewers saw in the villa, they're always arguing.' Ella and Tyrique came third during their summer series of Love Island, losing out on the top two positions to runners-up Whitney Adebayo and Lochan Nowacki and winners Jess Harding and Sammy Root. Earlier this year Ella dropped a huge hint that she was reentering the Love Island villa for the ITV spin off All Stars with a series of saucy snaps posted to Instagram. She revealed a major clue that she could have been heading to the glitzy housing in South Africa. Love Island All Stars sees previous contestants from across the show's series mixed together in a bid to give them a second chance at love. Ella teased her fans that she was appearing on the show as she has taken a trip out to Cape Town, where the show is filmed. Sharing an album of sunny holiday snaps to her Instagram, Ella told followers: 'out of office'. She did not however appear on the 2025 series - which was then won by Gabby Allen and Casey O'Gorman.
