Today we remember the 50th anniversary of the independence declaration of the OPM at Markas Victoria on July 1, 1971. Based on our constitution, the Provisional Government recognises all our declarations as important and historic days in our struggle.
Every declaration is a milestone in our struggle and part of the long fight for our freedom. Every sacrifice made over 50 years by the elders in the bush, particularly the West Papua Army, has made a huge contribution to our struggle. Whether you are in exile, a refugee, or active in the solidarity movement, you are the beating heart of the West Papuan struggle. Many people have sacrificed their lives fighting in the bush to protect our country. We remember you.
We recognise all this history as part of the journey to our final destination. The 1971 proklamasi was a direct rejection of the illegal Indonesian invasion and the fraudulent Act of No Choice of 1969. All West Papuans, wherever you are, must remember this important day, a memory that gives us the strength and hope to carry on.
This is a moment for us all to reflect on our struggle and unite to finish our mission and reclaim the sovereignty that was stolen from us in 1963. I call on all our people to unite in one spirit, as one people with with one soul and free us from colonialism through the ULMWP Provisional Government.
Happy 50th anniversary and God bless you all.
Benny Wenda
Interim President
ULMWP Provisional Government
