Bougainville-Papua New Guinea: Both parties adopt the “Melanesian Partnership” for future cooperation

From 9 to 13 June, delegations from the Autonomous Government of Bougainville (ABG) and the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) met at Burnham Military Camp in New Zealand to discuss ABG independence. Sir Jerry Mateparae, a former New Zealand Governor-General, moderated the meeting with support from United Nations officials. During the meeting, President Ishmael Toroama, ABG delegation leader, criticised the PNG Government for slowing the self-rule process and demanded that the meeting conclude with an agreement toward political independence. Toroama stated further that “Bougainville will explore all other precedents and legal options if the meeting fails to deliver clarity and finality on ABG’s independence.” Both parties adopted a framework dubbed the “Melanesian Partnership” at the end of the meeting to implement the 2019 Bougainville Referendum and post-independence cooperation. The Melanesian Partnership is yet to be signed by President Toroama and Prime Minister Marape. 

Assessment: The PNG parliament is very likely to endorse the 2019 referendum to avoid sparking tension and violence between the parties, as well as internally within Bougainville, leading up to ABG’s declared intention to become independent on September 1, 2027.

Sources: Don Wiseman, “PNG, Bougainville to talk independence in military camp near Christchurch, NZ,” RNZ, June 5,2025; “Bougainville independence talks underway at military camp near Christchurch,” RNZ, June 10, 2025; Steven Bunsen, “Toriyama issues independence ultumatum,” Post Courier, June 10, 2025; Gorethy Kenneth, “Post-referendum Burnham talks on Bougainville continue,” Post Courier, June 12, 2025; Steven Bunsin, “PNG, Bougainville Negotiators Forge “Melanesian Partnership” Path,” Post Courier, June 14, 2025.