![In this Nov. 29, 2019, file photo, the Upe members wait to vote in the Bougainville referendum in Teau, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. AP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ARJ3TF6DFFIXMFNEHO5Y3WC23I.jpg?smart=true&auth=a27ce9d20af9b0bb4fbb626ebe5e911391692539a1bcc67a1bb9933b7b352dec&width=400&height=225)
In this Nov. 29, 2019, file photo, the Upe members wait to vote in the Bougainville referendum in Teau, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. AP
In this Nov. 29, 2019, file photo, the Upe members wait to vote in the Bougainville referendum in Teau, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. APBougainville steps closer to becoming world's newest nation as 98% vote for independence
The announcement prompted loud cheers, applause and tears as dignitaries burst into song