Bougainville Leaders Forum Sets September 2027 for Independence Date

The Bougainville Independence Leaders Forum recommends September 1, 2027, as the independence date for Bougainville, following a majority referendum vote for independence in 2019. They emphasize that the work of the Constituent Assembly is independent of the PNG moderation process and that the PNG government must collaborate in implementing the referendum results without the power to veto them.

The Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum has officially recommended September 1, 2027, as the date for Bougainville’s independence. This significant resolution precedes consultations between leaders from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Bougainville, facilitated by independent moderator Sir Jerry Mataparae, a former Governor General of New Zealand.

A referendum held in 2019 showed overwhelming support, with over 97 percent of Bougainvilleans voting in favor of independence. However, the vote was non-binding, necessitating ratification from the national parliament of PNG to actualize the decision.

In a statement endorsed by 14 representatives, including the President Ishmael Toroama, the Forum asserted that the decisions made by the Constituent Assembly would remain independent of the moderation process. Bougainville leaders emphasized the importance of defining their relationship with PNG as a sovereign entity, declaring that its work is not contingent on current discussions.

The Forum also observed that the primary aim of the moderation should be to articulate a new relationship between Bougainville and PNG as distinctly independent nations. They highlighted that the moderation process is key to progressing Bougainville’s quest for independence through peaceful dialogue centered around mutual respect.

Moreover, the Forum firmly stated that the national government of PNG does not have the authority to dismiss the referendum results. Instead, collaboration is expected to ensure the effective implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement alongside the outcomes of the referendum, paving the way toward independence.

The Bougainville Independence Leaders Forum’s endorsement of September 1, 2027, for independence marks a pivotal moment for Bougainville, following an overwhelming 2019 referendum vote. The Forum asserts that the upcoming moderation process must be respectful and constructive, with no authority from the PNG government to override the will of the Bougainvillean people. This process will solidify Bougainville’s path toward independence.

Original Source: www.rnz.co.nz