Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, has declared a state of emergency in response to the recent rioting that left 16 people dead. The violence erupted following a protest by police and public sector workers who were angered by a pay cut attributed to an administrative error. The rioting, which occurred in the capital city of Port Moresby and the northern city of Lae, resulted in looting and widespread damage.
Suspending Officials and Conducting a Review
In an effort to address the situation, Prime Minister Marape has suspended the country’s chief of police as well as top bureaucrats in the finance and treasury departments. This move comes as the government initiates a review to investigate the cause of the riots. Marape emphasized the importance of securing democracy and the rule of law, acknowledging that organized rioting had taken place.
Maintaining Order and Restoring Peace
To prevent further unrest, the government has deployed 1,000 military personnel to maintain order. Extra police officers have also been flown in to restore peace in the capital. While police have returned to work, tensions remain high.
International Concerns
The United States Embassy in Port Moresby expressed concern about the situation, stating that while violence in the capital has subsided, the relative calm could change at any moment. Reports of violence in other parts of the country have also been received. Chinese citizens were among those affected, as Chinese-owned stores were vandalized and looted. The Australian government, which regularly supports Papua New Guinea in policing and security matters, assured that it was closely monitoring the situation.
Strengthening Security and Attracting Investment
Papua New Guinea has faced a surge in violent crime over the past year, prompting the government to prioritize strengthening security. Prime Minister Marape believes that a secure environment will attract foreign investment in the country’s gold and copper resources. The recent pay cut dispute has highlighted the challenges faced by the police force, which went on strike after discovering the reduction in their pay packets. The government has clarified on social media that no new tax was imposed on the police and has committed to rectifying any administrative errors.
In an effort to restore control and peace, it is vital for Papua New Guinea to address the underlying issues that led to the rioting. The government’s actions to conduct a thorough review and suspend officials demonstrate a commitment to resolving the situation. As the country works towards long-term stability, international support and cooperation will be crucial.
To read the original article, click here.