Seven years to freedom

The National Main Stories

Stories by MIRIAM ZARRIGA
in Wabag
THE PNG Government has seven years to implement Bougainville’s independence.
A resolution signed yesterday giving the seven-year roadmap has resolved that declaration of independence and assumption of all powers or declaration of a sovereign nation to take place in 2027.
ABG President Ishmael Toroama was adamant that a political settlement for Bougainville was steadfast no earlier than 2025 and no later than 2027, but must be guided by the agreed joint roadmap signed yesterday.
The political independence date was agreed to in Enga by the Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
Prime Minister James Marape and Toroama concluded the joint consultation body and joint supervisory body meetings in the province yesterday.
Guided by an agreed roadmap known as the Referendum results implementation roadmap, the path sets up the seven-year journey to the attainment of independence by Bougainville.
The implementation of the political roadmap starts from:

  • 2021 where the Sharp Agreement was signed;
  • 2022 the implementation of on-line budget, Sharp Agreement implementation, establishment of the Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission:
  • 2023 report to 11th Parliament, tabling of the results and outcomes of consultations; commencement of PNG Constitutional amendment assumption of section 289 Powers;
  • 2024 report to PNG Government stakeholders by GoPNG, amendment of the Constitutional law process to repeal and replace Part 14 in its entirety and preparations for self-government;
  • 2025 Implementation of the Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission, Bougainville Constituent Assembly considers and adopts draft Bougainville independence Constitution;
  • 2026: Prepare treaty and preparations for declaration of independence; and,
  • 2027 assume all or any sovereign powers and declaration of independent Bougainville.