Bougainville’s Vice President Patrick Nisira emphasized the region’s firm commitment to independence during the closing remarks at the second Joint Moderation Meeting held in Port Moresby. He stated that the only discussion acceptable is based on the outcome of the 2019 referendum, where an overwhelming 97.7% of Bougainvilleans voted in favor of independence.
Nisira expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment of Bougainville’s aspirations by the Papua New Guinea National Government and highlighted the significance of the Bougainville Memoir—a document outlining the region’s case for independence and principles guiding its independence model. He stressed that the ongoing moderation process needs to remain consultative and strictly focus on the referendum results, firmly stating, “This consultation is on independence and there are no other models or options to talk about.”
Looking ahead, Nisira welcomed the announcement of the next Moderation Meeting to be held in Burnham, New Zealand, expressing appreciation to the New Zealand Government for their support. He articulated the expectation that this meeting will advance discussions concerning Bougainville’s political aspirations and bring resolution to core issues affecting its quest for independence.
The discussions in this session underscore a critical juncture in Bougainville’s pursuit of self-determination. The commitment from both the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the Papua New Guinea National Government reflects a collaborative spirit that may steer Bougainville towards a stable political future, thus offering hope for the region’s aspirations for self-governance and sustainable development.
This emergence of dialogue is not only vital for Bougainville but also reflects a broader understanding and respect for the voices of its people, ensuring their resilience and aspirations for independence are acknowledged and pursued.
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