Declaration of Independence
(17 May 1990)
Republic of Bougainville
In the name of God the merciful Father, ruler of nations and Lord of the universe.
WHEREAS Bougainville Island was politically separated from the Solomon Group of Islands and seeded [sic] to the German colony of New Guinea by an agreement made in 1886 between England and Germany, and was subsequently included in the Australian Trust Territory of Papua [and] New Guinea in 1918;
AND WHEREAS Bougainville was then included in the Independent State of Papua New Guinea despite the objections of the people of Bougainville, on the 16th September 1975.
AND WHEREAS Bougainville is geographically apart and its people culturally distinct from Papua New Guinea.
AND WHEREAS it has been a long standing wish and aspiration of the people of Bougainville to become a separate independent nation.
AND WHEREAS Papua New Guinea declared and fought a war against the people of Bougainville the result of which has been the withdrawal of all police, army, navy and judicial functions from Bougainville.
AND WHEREAS Papua New Guinea still declares that it has jurisdiction and authority over Bougainville and has begun imposing an economic embargo against Bougainville.
AND WHEREAS the Bougainville Revolutionary Army has since been in total control of Bougainville on behalf of its people.
AND WHEREAS Papua New Guinea has refused to recognize the democratic rights of the people of Bougainville.
AND WHEREAS it is the inalienable right of a people to be free and independent.
Now therefore, I Francis Ona, Interim President of the Republic of Bougainville, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AND DECLARE on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of Bougainville that as from today the seventeenth day of May in the year one thousand nine hundred and ninety Bougainville shall be forever a sovereign democratic and independent nation; founded upon the principles of liberty and justice and ever seeking the welfare and happiness of her people in a more just and equal society.
Francis ONA
President
Dated this 17th day of May 1990.
Top | PNG-Bougainville | Contents
