Bougainville peace process enters final stage as leaders agree on 2026 roadmap

The long journey of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement [BPA] has reached its final stage, after the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government [ABG] agreed on the last set of tasks needed to bring the 2019 Bougainville Referendum result to Parliament.

Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama met in Port Moresby on Wednesday [December 3, 2025] for the final Joint Supervisory Body [JSB] meeting of the year. Ministers from both governments attended, and the leaders signed a joint resolution covering five key agenda items.

Prime Minister Marape said the two governments now have a clear roadmap for the first half of 2026. He expects all required work to be completed by mid-year, with the referendum result brought to Parliament in the second half of 2026.

“We just completed a successful JSB meeting. We are in the final leg in which the referendum result will go to Parliament,” he said.

“We have agreed that a sessional order will be used to bring the result onto the floor of Parliament. The exact details will be finalised over the next three months.”

Mr Marape explained that the next JSB meeting is expected around February 2026, supported by the bipartisan parliamentary committee, both Speakers, and the parliamentary clerks.

He thanked the people of Bougainville for their patience throughout the 24-year process since the Peace Agreement was signed, and assured the country that the constitutional process will continue as required.

“Section 342 of the Constitution requires that the result be brought to the floor of Parliament. We are now on the last leg. To the people of Bougainville, fear not. To the rest of the country, let us embrace this process – it cannot be avoided,” he said.

The Prime Minister also reflected on the major milestones reached since the 2019 Referendum, including JSB meetings in Kokopo, Wabag, and Port Moresby, the Era Kone Covenant, and the Burnham talks in New Zealand that produced the Melanesian Agreement. He highlighted the work of the bipartisan committee chaired by Dr Allan Marat, which is helping prepare the matter for Parliament.

The JSB also agreed on Wednesday for the United Nations to continue supporting the process by providing a facilitator to assist the committee in the months ahead.

Mr Marape said both governments are committed to completing the remaining steps so Parliament can deliberate on the referendum result next year.