Bougainville’s President Ishmael Toroama has expressed gratitude to the Papua New Guinea Government for acknowledging the region’s right to self-determination. During the Second Joint Moderation Meeting held in Port Moresby, he emphasized the importance of implementing the outcome of the 2019 referendum in good faith, where a staggering 97.7 percent of Bougainvilleans voted in favor of independence.
President Toroama reaffirmed Bougainville’s unwavering commitment to independence, stating that two non-negotiable positions must be respected: the independence model as defined on the referendum ballot and the set date for independence on September 1, 2027. He stressed that the moderation process should focus on defining the relationship between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea as two sovereign nations on independence day.
He also highlighted the necessity to resolve outstanding issues related to Section 342 of the National Constitution, which is crucial for implementing the referendum’s results. Toroama firmly stated that the referendum’s results reflect the democratic choice of the Bougainville people and that they will not accept any unlawful veto by the National Parliament.
The president reiterated that the current process is not about negotiating alternative arrangements but about affirming independence. Bougainville has met essential benchmarks outlined in the Bougainville Peace Agreement, including weapons disposal and good governance, and is now poised to proceed to this final phase.
In his address, President Toroama called upon international partners, especially those who signed the Bougainville Peace Agreement, to support the peace process. He emphasized that silence on this matter is no longer acceptable, urging a collaborative effort to uphold the referendum’s outcome.
Moreover, he presented a document titled “The Bougainville Memoir – Arguing the Bougainville Case” to the Moderator, Sir Jerry Mataparae, which encapsulates Bougainville’s history, resilience, and its quest for independence. This significant meeting signifies a crucial moment in the ongoing journey toward self-determination for Bougainville, fostering hope for a future where political aspirations can be realized honestly and transparently.
With the clear mandate shown in the referendum and the regional government’s commitment, there is renewed optimism that Bougainville can navigate its path to independence successfully, leading to a more stable and autonomous future for its people.
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