Bougainville presses for self-government by 2027, independence by 2030

BOUGAINVILLE President Ishmael Toroama has set out a firm timetable for the territory’s next political steps.

Toroama said the autonomous government’s final position was that Bougainville should move into self-government in 2027 and then independence in 2030.

Addressing the issue in a detailed statement, Toroama said the position was rooted in the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Part XIV of Papua New Guinea’s constitution and the agreements reached since the referendum that backed independence.

“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,” Toroama said.

He said Bougainville had honoured the peace process for more than two decades and argued that the territory had shown political disputes could be handled without violence.

“For more than two decades, Bougainville has faithfully honoured both the letter and the spirit of these agreements,” he said.

“Through dialogue, consultation and mutual respect, we have consistently chosen the path of peace.”

Toroama said the referendum result remained the cornerstone of Bougainville’s claim, insisting the vote had been clear.

“The people of Bougainville spoke clearly in the referendum. They chose independence,” he said.

He said that the result was based on “an independent nation-state with sovereign powers and laws, recognised under international law and by other sovereign states, separate from the State of Papua New Guinea.”

The president pointed to a series of post-referendum understandings with Papua New Guinea, including 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, saying those documents had created the roadmap and timeframe that provide certainty and stability for both governments and our people.

But he also warned that trust was now under strain.

Pathway to Independence

“Trust is the foundation of every agreement. Where agreed processes have been departed from, concerns have naturally arisen,” Toroama said, adding that “recent events violating these existing understandings cannot be ignored or downplayed.”

Under the proposal, Bougainville would remain in a preparatory phase until 1 September 2027, focusing on institution-building, governance, peace and security, and economic readiness.

Toroama said that from that date, Bougainville would enter a period of self-government, with the assumption of additional powers under Section 289 of the PNG constitution.

“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.”

He then said independence would follow on a date to be appointed in 2030.

“On a date to be appointed in 2030, Bougainville will gain Independence as defined during the referendum,” Toroama said.

The president framed the proposal as a way to settle expectations and avoid renewed instability after years of negotiation.

“This pathway provides certainty. It preserves peace. It honours the referendum result.”

Toroama also struck a conciliatory tone toward Papua New Guinea, saying Bougainville wanted a future relationship based on cooperation rather than confrontation.

“To the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, we reaffirm our commitment to work together in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.”

He ended with a direct appeal for unity inside Bougainville, urging supporters to stay patient as negotiations continue.

“To the people of Bougainville, I say this: remain united, remain patient and remain steadfast,” Toroama said.

“The peace we have built together is precious. We must protect it.”

Bougainville’s latest position is likely to intensify political attention in Port Moresby as both sides continue post-referendum talks over the territory’s future status, powers and constitutional path forward.