Delivered in Kokopo, East New Britain Province | June, 23 2026

Today, I stand before you to present the final position of the Autonomous Bougainville Government regarding Self-government and Independence for Bougainville.

This position is not founded on emotion or convenience. It is founded on the Bougainville Peace Agreement, on Part XIV of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea, and on the solemn commitments and agreements that have guided our journey and preserved peace to date.

For more than two decades, Bougainville has faithfully honoured both the letter and the spirit of these agreements. Through dialogue, consultation and mutual respect, we have consistently chosen the path of peace. We have demonstrated to our region and to the world that difficult political questions can be addressed through patience, understanding and constitutional means.

The people of Bougainville spoke clearly in the referendum. They chose independence. That outcome was based on a jointly agreed definition of independence: an independent nation-state with sovereign powers and laws, recognized under international law and by other sovereign states, separate from the State of Papua New Guinea.

Throughout the post-referendum consultations, Bougainville has engaged with the National government in good faith. Important milestones have been achieved through the Joint Communique of 11 January 2021, the Kokopo Joint Statement, the Wabag Joint Statement, the APEC Joint Statement, the Era Kone Covenant and the Melanesian Agreement. These understandings have established the roadmap and timeframe that provide certainty and stability for both governments and our people.

However, trust is the foundation of every agreement. Where agreed processes have been departed from, concerns have naturally arisen. Recent events violating these existing understandings cannot be ignored or downplayed.

The ABG believes that parties must recommit themselves to the principles of consultation, mutual respect and fidelity to the agreements that have sustained peace since 2001. We believe that this is necessary to the continued dialogue and consultation on the ongoing process including the development of the Melanesian Framework.

In alignment with the above, our final position therefore proposes a clear and practical pathway:

From now until 1 September 2027, Bougainville will continue preparing for self-government. During this period, we will strengthen our institutions, deepen our governance capacity, consolidate peace and security, and build the economic foundations necessary for our future.

Beginning on 1 September 2027, Bougainville will enter a period of self-government. This self-government represents the fullest practical and constitutional expression of our authority under the existing framework. It will involve the continued exercise of autonomy together with the assumption and exercise of additional powers available under Section 289 of the Constitution.

On a date to be appointed in 2030, Bougainville will gain Independence as defined during the referendum as follows - An independent nation state with sovereign powers and laws, recognized under international law and by other sovereign states to be an independent state, separate from the state of Papua New Guinea.

This pathway provides certainty. It preserves peace. It honours the referendum result. Most importantly, it safeguards the future of generations yet to come.

Our objective has never been confrontation. Our objective has always been reconciliation, partnership and a peaceful transition founded on law and mutual respect.

To the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, we reaffirm our commitment to work together in a spirit of friendship and cooperation. The relationship between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea has been shaped by history, sacrifice and shared aspirations. Whatever political arrangements emerge, that relationship must continue to be defined by respect, partnership and goodwill.

To the people of Bougainville, I say this: remain united, remain patient and remain steadfast. The peace we have built together is precious. We must protect it. The future we seek must be achieved not through division, but through wisdom, dialogue and a common commitment to justice and reconciliation.

History has entrusted our generation with a profound responsibility. We must ensure that the aspirations of our people are realized in a manner that preserves peace, strengthens democracy and honours the sacrifices of those who came before us.

Together, with faith in God and confidence in our people, we shall continue this journey with dignity, with unity and with hope.

May God bless Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.

H.E Ishmael Toroama, MHR
President

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