THE PATH TO INDEPENDENCE: "We Will Not Back Down!"

A powerful address by Honourable Junior L. Dake, the Minister for Veterans Affair, delivered in the Bougainville House of Representatives. In this stirring speech, Dake reaffirms the unwavering commitment of leaders and veterans to full independence following the historic 2019 referendum. In this video, you will hear about: • The Price of Freedom: A solemn reflection on the 20,000 to 25,000 lives lost during the 10-year civil war, which the speaker describes as an act of genocide by the national government against its own citizens. • The 2019 Mandate: Why the overwhelming vote for independence must be fully materialized according to the Bougainville Peace Agreement • Veterans Standing Firm: The Minister for Veterans Affair pledges total support for the President and Vice President, declaring that they will support the independence process "at all costs". • Economic Sovereignty: A bold call for Bougainville to create its own wealth and finance its own government, moving away from reliance on outside influences. This is a story of solidarity, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a dream that started decades ago. "It is not about leadership... it’s about the people of Bougainville pursuing their dream." #Bougainville #Independence #Referendum #History #Veterans #HumanRights #Melanesia