President Toroama announces final position on Bougainville independence
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has formally outlined its final position on Bougainville’s political future, proposing a clear and peaceful pathway towards self-government and eventual independence.
President Hon. Ishmael Toroama presented the position today to the Independent Facilitator overseeing the Joint Technical consultations between ABG and the National Government, reaffirming that Bougainville’s aspirations are grounded in the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the Constitution of Papua New Guinea and the commitments that have guided the peace process over the past two decades.
“Today, I stand before you to present the final position of the Autonomous Bougainville Government regarding Self-government and Independence for Bougainville,” President Toroama said.
The final position proposes a three-stage pathway.
Under the proposal, Bougainville will continue preparations for self-government until 1 September 2027, focusing on strengthening institutions, governance systems, peace and security, and economic readiness.
From 1 September 2027, Bougainville would enter a period of self-government, exercising the fullest practical and constitutional authority available under the existing legal framework, including additional powers provided under Section 289 of the Constitution.
The proposal further envisages Bougainville attaining independence in 2030 as defined during the referendum process as an independent nation-state recognized under international law and separate from the State of Papua New Guinea.
President Toroama said the pathway provides certainty, preserves peace and honours the democratic choice expressed by the people of Bougainville.
He said Bougainville has consistently honoured both the letter and spirit of the Peace Agreement through dialogue, consultation and constitutional processes.
“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.”
The President noted that the 2019 Referendum delivered a clear mandate from the people of Bougainville in favour of independence and that subsequent consultations between the ABG and the National Government had produced several important agreements, including the Joint Communique of 11 January 2021, the Kokopo Joint Statement, Wabag Joint Statement, APEC Joint Statement, Era Kone Covenant and the Melanesian Agreement.
The President emphasized that Bougainville remains committed to dialogue, consultation and constructive engagement with the Government of Papua New Guinea.
“Our objective has never been confrontation. Our objective has always been reconciliation, partnership and a peaceful transition founded on law and mutual respect.”
He reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea regardless of future political arrangements.
President Toroama also called on the people of Bougainville to remain united, patient and committed to protecting the peace achieved through years of reconciliation and dialogue.
The ABG maintains that the proposed pathway represents a practical and peaceful framework for advancing Bougainville’s political future while safeguarding stability, democracy and the gains made through the peace process.
Following the presentation of the final position, President Toroama formally handed the Bougainville Final Position Paper to the Independent Facilitator and the Chief Secretary to the Government of Papua New Guinea, marking the formal submission of Bougainville’s final position.
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