29 Jun 2023
Bougainville – What’s next?
The 2019 referendum saw an overwhelming vote for independence, but the outcome is still unclear.
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21 Dec 2022
Seeking independence: three books to read this summer
From Timorese history and Bougainville’s dreams to Australia’s regional stories, catch up on essential background. -
31 Oct 2022
Overcoming suspicion: reconciliation for Australia and Bougainville
The angry reaction to Richard Marles’ comments should be a warning to Canberra about the need to settle past grievances. -
19 Nov 2021
Bougainville independence: recalling promises of international help
The pandemic has blown the referendum result off front pages – but that doesn’t make the challenge any easier. -
18 Jun 2021
Bougainville independence: Pressure for PNG agreement builds
Setting goals for independence by 2025, UN membership and a sustainable economy signal Bougainville’s resolve. -
28 Apr 2021
Power politics lies behind how new countries are born – or not
History shows a resounding referendum – like recently in Bougainville – is not alone in deciding future independence. -
2 Dec 2020
A false start for PNG-Bougainville consultations
The post-referendum process stalled after a delegation arrived in Port Moresby, only to have the meeting cancelled. -
24 Sep 2020
Bougainville: A new captain at the helm
Ex-combatant Ishmael Toroama hopes to reward people’s patience and finally steer the island to independence. -
8 Jul 2020
Consulting on Bougainville’s future: The what, who, how and when
Making progress after the overwhelming independence ballot is as much a question of bureaucratic mechanics as politics. -
25 Jun 2020
A crowded house on the Bougainville ballot
With independence negotiations looming, hundreds of candidates are running for house seats, and 25 for president. -
27 Feb 2020
Bougainville: Ringing in the change?
John Momis towered as a figure in both PNG on Bougainville, but his time as president seems to be fast running out. -
30 Jan 2020
The Bougainville referendum: Celebrations turn to sadness and hope
The emotional responses to the vote offer a more nuanced picture than an emphasis on hypothetical worst-case outcomes. -
9 Dec 2019
The celebratory Bougainville referendum – stories from Siwai
Bamboo bands, drums, and groups of women singing and dancing are the backdrop as Bougainville decides its future. -
4 Dec 2019
An upbeat mood in Buka as Bougainville waits for a result
With civic joy fuelled by nothing stronger than coconuts and Coca-Cola, the independence ballot is only the first step. -
20 Nov 2019
Bougainville referendum: Not the last word
If predictions of a vote for independence are right, figuring out the mechanics of statehood will be a struggle -
9 Oct 2019
Bougainville’s predicament, independence or not
Whatever path Bougainville follows after next month’s referendum, human development is its most urgent priority. -
26 Sep 2019
The Pacific and a “third option” to the independence question
Bougainville or New Caledonia could chart their own course with “flexible sovereignty” – but that might not be enough. -
22 Aug 2019
Bougainville: A nation in waiting?
With an independence referendum looming, Australia’s interest is seeing this long-running issue resolved peacefully. -
23 Apr 2019
Simplistic and wrong to say the ABC is missing from Pacific coverage
So often the ABC asks questions to provide answers other media outlets run with. -
15 Apr 2019
Australian media: missing in action on Bougainville
But you can count on New Zealand – again! -
21 Dec 2018
Bougainville’s Panguna – “a challenging opportunity”
Opportunities in Bougainville won’t be easily or quickly realised, and certainly not without community support. -
11 Oct 2018
Facing ghosts of the past in Bougainville
Post-war justice has been elusive, but until grievances are confronted, the consequences of impunity can be deadly. -
21 Aug 2018
The new battle for Bougainville’s Panguna mine
Mining, without peace, won’t contribute to a longing for successful self-government and equitable development.