Bougainville Leaders Forum Proposes September 2027 for Independence

The Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum has proposed September 1, 2027, for Bougainville’s independence, following a successful 2019 referendum. This recommendation arises before upcoming consultations with Papua New Guinea leaders. The Forum maintains that its decisions will remain uninfluenced by these discussions and that the PNG government cannot veto the referendum results.

The Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum has unanimously heralded September 1, 2027, as the proposed date for Bougainville’s independence. This recommendation emerges prior to significant discussions between leaders of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Bougainville, facilitated by Sir Jerry Mataparae, a former Governor General of New Zealand.

In a referendum conducted in 2019, an overwhelming majority of over 97 percent of Bougainvilleans expressed their desire for independence. However, the referendum was non-binding, necessitating ratification by the national parliament of PNG to effectuate any changes.

A statement from the Forum, endorsed by 14 representatives including President Ishmael Toroama, emphasized that the decisions made by the Constituent Assembly would remain uninfluenced by the moderation process. Moreover, Bougainville leaders are committed to establishing their relationship with PNG as a fully sovereign nation.

The Forum reiterated that the work of the Constituent Assembly must proceed independently of any moderation consultations. The focus of these discussions is intended to clarify the new dynamics between Bougainville and PNG as two independent nations.

Furthermore, the Forum asserted that the national government of PNG does not possess the authority to disregard the results of the referendum and is obliged to engage cooperatively in executing the Bougainville Peace Agreement along with the results of the referendum concerning independence.

In conclusion, the Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum’s recommendation of September 1, 2027, for independence marks a significant step forward in the region’s pursuit of sovereignty. The decisions made by the Forum and the Constituent Assembly are pivotal in shaping the future relationship between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea, emphasizing dialogue and mutual respect to ensure a peaceful transition.

Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz