The leader of a rebel movement in Bougainville has met with the autonomous Papua New Guinea region's president in a rare sign of reconciliation
President Ishmael Toroama made a visit to Bougainville's south where he met with U-Vistract figurehead Noah Musingku, who presides over the so-called Kingdom of Papaala.
'King' Noah Musingku meets Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama at Tonu, 22 January 2021.
Photo: Anthony Kaybing / ABG
In 1997, Musingku formed U-Vistract, an alternative financial system likened to a pyramid scheme, which even lured in the government of neighbouring Solomon islands at one point.
With many investors having lost money with U-Vistract, and PNG authorities after him, Musingku spent most of the last two decades in hiding, guarded by armed supporters in a remote part of Siwai District.