September 1st 2027: Bougainville’s Independence Day

The President of Bougainville, His Excellency Ismaël Toroama, has declared that September 1st, 2027, will be the day of full Independence for Bougainville. 

Mr. Toroama said the next three years will be a preparation period, with the aim to achieve independence by 2030.

He highlighted this as an important step for Bougainville's transition from Papua New Guinea and to determine its sovereignty. 

Member for North Bougainville, Hon. Francesca Semoso, also confirmed the date, describing the set moment as sacred to the people of Bougainville. 

"On that day, Bougainville will rise as a sovereign nation—free, proud, and standing tall among the nations of the world".

"We have walked a long road.  

We have mourned our martyrs.  

We have negotiated with dignity.  

We have voted with courage.  

And now, we proclaim with pride: Bougainville will be free".

Hon. Semoso informed that on September 1, 2027, Bougainville will raise its flag and sing its national anthem, proclaiming to the world that it is free and shall remain free.

She further reminded that the independence is not an end—it is a beginning of a call to responsibility and an invitation to build a just, transparent, and united state, rooted in customs and open to the world.