Bougainville Peace Agreement

The Bougainville Peace Agreement, signed in 2001, ended a violent conflict in Papua New Guinea's Bougainville region that lasted nearly a decade. The conflict arose from tensions over autonomy, resources, and governance, particularly related to a copper mine. The agreement established a framework for political autonomy for Bougainville, allowing it to have its own government and plans for a referendum on independence. It also focused on disarmament, peacebuilding, and reconciliation to heal the divides caused by the conflict. The referendum on independence was held in 2019, where a significant majority voted for independence, although formal secession is still pending negotiations.