BOUGAINVILLE LEADERS ENDORSE FINAL POSITION AND RECOMMENDS 2030 AS THE YEAR FOR INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

The Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum (BILCF) has endorsed the Final Bougainville Position and recommended 1 September 2030 as the proposed date for Bougainville's Declaration of Independence.

The Forum, chaired by Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President His Excellency Ishmael Toroama and Vice President Hon. Ezekiel Masatt brought together political leaders, veterans, civil society, community and youth representatives to reaffirm Bougainville's agreed pathway towards independence.

Vice President Masatt presented the Final Bougainville Position, which was formally presented to the National Government in Kokopo last month. The position outlines a three-stage pathway comprising preparation for self-government until 1 September 2027, a period of self-government from 2027 to 2030, and independence in 2030, consistent with the definition of independence contained on the 2019 Referendum ballot paper.

Vice President Masatt said Bougainville remained committed to the Bougainville Peace Agreement despite recent developments in the National Parliament.

"Since the last time we had our meeting, many things have moved on; things like the National Government introducing the three-quarter voting threshold in the sessional order. We know that as a response, the Final Bougainville Position was presented with our timelines," he said.

"Despite the disagreements, we on the ABG side made a conscious decision that despite what appears to be a strategy on the part of the National Government to make ratification fail, Bougainville will remain committed to stay engaged through consultations in respect of the Bougainville Peace Agreement."

President Toroama reaffirmed that the Forum exists to guide Bougainville's political leadership throughout the consultation process on the referendum outcome.

"We are consulting over the referendum results only, which is independence, and not on any other package," President Toroama said.

"In the last term and this term, the Government has totally represented and protected the aspirations of the people on independence. Our stand on Bougainville's independence is clear."

President Toroama also acknowledged the work of the ABG Public Service, led by the Chief Secretary, in aligning government legislation, policies and service delivery with the Final Bougainville Position.

The Forum received strong support from veterans, who endorsed the Final Bougainville Position and called for national reconciliation between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville before 1 September 2027. Civil society and women's representatives also endorsed the position and called for continued government support to provide accurate information for community awareness.

Among its key resolutions, the Forum:

• Endorsed the Final Bougainville Position.

• Recommended 1 September 2030 as Bougainville's Independence Declaration date.

• Reaffirmed Bougainville's commitment to uphold the Bougainville Peace Agreement in good faith.

• Called for the completion of the Bougainville Independence Constitution in line with the agreed timeline.

• Recommended accelerating Bougainville's international engagement and lobbying.

• Called for national reconciliation to commence before ratification in the National Parliament and conclude before 1 September 2027, including an extended process of reconciliation with the Solomon Islands.

• Called on Constituency Members, civil society and faith-based organisations to lead Bougainville-wide independence awareness, peacebuilding and reconciliation.

The BILCF further resolved that Bougainville's leaders and technical officials have no mandate to continue discussions in the event that the National Parliament ratification outcome does not endorse Bougainville independence referendum result, while reaffirming their commitment to achieving Bougainville's political independence through peaceful means.

The Forum also recommended that the ABG raise concerns at the forthcoming Joint Supervisory Body meeting regarding the sessional order process as a matter of record on the parties' commitment to the Bougainville Peace Agreement.

The Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum last met in March 2025. The recommendations adopted today reaffirm Bougainville's united position and provide clear political direction for the next phase of the independence readiness process.