Photo Credit: Dev Policy Blog - President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Hon. Ishmael Toroama
President Ishmael Toroama of Bougainville has selected September 1, 2025, as the tentative date for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to declare independence.
The Bougainville perspective had been submitted in the Kokopo consultation, which specified a five-year schedule from this year through 2025, he informed the House of Representatives.
“Each year comprises a number of key milestones to be achieved with independence fully declared during 2025 and with Sept 1 as the date for the declaration,” he said. “The Kokopo resolutions now provide the strategy for both parties to consult over the Bougainville position through the coming consultations.
“This will need careful analysis and planning going forward.”
Another milestone, according to Toroama, was the signing of a joint communiqué, which essentially acknowledged the two governments' historical journey under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and pledged the two governments to consult collaboratively on the referendum results for independence.
“The Sharp Agreement, which was signed on May 13, does away with the constitutional requirements under section 295 (a) and (b) regarding the transfer of powers and functions under the autonomous arrangements,” he said. “This paves the way for the consultations to focus on the political agenda while the administration deals with the implementation of the remaining powers and functions.”
Reference: The National (15 June 2021). “B'ville Independence Date Set”.
