Bougainville, 20 March 2025 — Ezekiel Masat, Attorney General and Minister for Justice and Independence Mission Implementation for the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), has responded firmly to recent criticism from Papua New Guinea’s National Government over the announcement of a firm date for Bougainville’s independence.
On 13 March 2025, the Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum publicly declared that full independence would be achieved on 1 September 2027. The announcement surprised many in Port Moresby, where officials including Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba emphasized that consultations between the ABG and National Government were still ongoing, and that any definitive independence date must be ratified by the PNG Parliament.
Masat dismissed suggestions that setting a timeline was provocative or premature. “The people of Bougainville have already spoken clearly through the 2019 referendum, where over 98% voted for independence,” he said. “This date is not an act of defiance but a reflection of the democratic will of our people. It signals our collective commitment to achieve the independence they chose.”
He acknowledged the sensitive nature of the negotiations but stressed that delays from the National Government have created uncertainty and frustration within Bougainville communities. “The real provocation is the slow pace of formalizing the independence arrangements. Bougainvilleans have waited for years and deserve clarity and certainty about their future.”
Masat also noted that the ABG remains fully engaged in dialogue with PNG authorities through the Joint Moderation and Consultation Mechanism (JMCM) established under the Bougainville Peace Agreement. “We are committed to a peaceful and constructive transition and urge the National Government to expedite parliamentary processes to ratify independence,” he added.
The Bougainville Peace Agreement, signed in 2001, envisioned a referendum on independence, which was held in late 2019. The overwhelming vote for independence was non-binding, requiring subsequent negotiations and parliamentary ratification to formalize Bougainville’s status.
The announcement of the 2027 independence date reflects a growing urgency within Bougainville to move beyond transitional arrangements and establish full sovereignty. This sentiment is shared by many political leaders and grassroots communities who see the timeline as essential to consolidating peace, development, and self-determination.
However, some in PNG’s National Government express caution, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue to manage the political, economic, and legal implications of Bougainville’s independence for both parties.
As the clock ticks toward 2027, both sides face complex challenges, including governance reforms, resource sharing, and integration of security arrangements. The upcoming period will require sustained commitment to collaboration, mutual respect, and adherence to the peace process to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition.
Bougainville’s path to independence remains a landmark moment in Papua New Guinea’s history—one that tests the resilience of its institutions, the strength of its democratic processes, and the ability of its leaders to reconcile diverse aspirations within one nation.