The Autonomous Region of Bougainville (Arob) has fulfilled all the requirements outlined in the Bougainville Peace Agreement of 2001, according to President Ishmael Toroama. Speaking at the Arob Day commemoration in Lae, Morobe, Toroama emphasized that Bougainville has adhered to the peace agreement, which led to a referendum where the people overwhelmingly voted for independence. He stressed the importance of unity and self-reliance, urging the people to be proactive in achieving their aspirations.
Toroama noted that the Bougainville Constitution is being finalized and will be distinct from the PNG Constitution, signaling the formal declaration of Bougainville’s independence. The people have been involved in the decision-making process for this new constitution.
During the same event, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge welcomed the Bougainvilleans and expressed his support for their independence. He called on the government to ratify the referendum results in Parliament, affirming that Bougainville has met the legal and constitutional requirements for independence as set out in the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the PNG Constitution.
Wenge, drawing on his legal expertise, reassured Toroama and the Bougainville people that they had satisfied the conditions necessary for independence
