The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has stepped up consultations with key stakeholders following the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting in August this year, as preparations continue towards Bougainville’s planned assumption of self-government responsibilities on 1 September 2027. 

Vice President and Minister for Bougainville Independence Mission, Hon. Ezekiel Masatt, and Secretary for the Department of Bougainville Independence Mission, Ms. Stephanie Elijah, together with departmental officers, have been engaging stakeholders to raise awareness of the JSB resolution, the Melanesian Framework (MF) and the Joint Consultation Report (JCR) and planning strategies for strengthening Bougainville’s readiness for self-government.

The consultations build on the KVR Communique, which was the agreement reached between Bougainville’s National Members of Parliament and the ABG leadership in June this year on endorsing Bougainville’s Final Position for Self-Government in 2027 and Independence in 2030. 

The Ministry, backed by the Department, has facilitated a series of internal Bougainville stakeholders dialogue on Independence, each producing resolutions that will contribute to the Government’s priorities and inform appropriations for the 2027 Budget. 

The dialogue process has so far included:

• Bougainville Independence Leaders Consultation Forum (BILCF);

• Tonsu Great Council of Chiefs.

• Southern Regional Parliamentary Committee.

• Central Regional Parliamentary Committee.

• Northern Regional Parliamentary Committee; and

• Bougainville Women Leaders’ Independence Consultation and Dialogue.

Secretary Elijah says, in collaboration with the Department of Community Development, dialogue will continue this process through upcoming engagements with youth leaders, veterans, and church leaders. 

"Running parallel to these dialogues, the Ministry and Department are working closely with the Bougainville Independence Ready Committees on progressing the Independence Ready declarations ahead of the September 1, 2027, Bougainville declaration for Self- Government whilst working closely with the Department of President & BEC on the Bougainville Public Service readiness repositioning strategies towards Self Government."

Meantime, preparations are underway for the Bougainville Constituent Assembly meeting from 22 to 24 September 2026 to progress deliberations on the draft Republic of North Solomon Constitution. 

Photo: Vice President Hon. Ezekiel Masatt with Bougainville Women Leaders following consultations on Bougainville’s independence readiness held on Monday this week in Chabai, North Bougainville.