Papua New Guinea plunged into chaos as Prime Minister James Marape declared a state of emergency in the wake of violent riots that resulted in 16 fatalities. The unrest erupted during a police and public sector protest over a perceived pay cut, which authorities attribute to an administrative glitch.
The protest, initially focused on a pay-related grievance, quickly descended into lawlessness, with shocking scenes of thousands of people flooding the streets of the capital, Port Moresby. Television footage revealed widespread looting, and black smoke billowed over the city, highlighting the severity of the situation, hence the declaration of emergency.
According to Australian state broadcaster ABC, nine people lost their lives in the rioting in Port Moresby, while seven were killed in Lae, a city in the northern region of the gold and copper-rich country.
In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Marape announced the suspension of key figures, including Papua New Guinea’s chief of police and top bureaucrats in the finance and treasury departments along with other restrictions in case of emergency. This move is part of a broader government review aimed at understanding the root causes of the riots.
Marape, addressing reporters at a press conference, expressed concern over evidence of organized rioting. The review, he said, is crucial to ensuring the preservation of democracy and the rule of law in the country. Additionally, the prime minister revealed that approximately 1,000 military personnel were on standby to prevent further unrest.
While violence in the capital subsided on Thursday, the government took swift action by deploying additional police to maintain order. However, the United States embassy in Port Moresby noted that tensions remained high, emphasizing the potential for a change in the relative calm.
The riots also resulted in injuries to several Chinese citizens, with stores owned by Chinese nationals subjected to vandalism and looting, according to the Chinese embassy.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese assured that the country’s high commission was closely monitoring the situation. Although Papua New Guinea has not formally requested assistance, Australia, with its established relationship, remains ready to provide support.
The unrest comes at a challenging time for Papua New Guinea, where the police force has been grappling with a surge in violent crime over the past year. Prime Minister Marape has repeatedly emphasized the need to enhance security to attract foreign investment in the nation’s abundant gold and copper resources.
The catalyst for the recent turmoil was a police strike triggered by the discovery of a reduction in their pay. The government swiftly moved to dispel rumors of a new tax on police, attributing the pay shortfall to an administrative error. Marape assured that corrective measures would be taken to rectify the issue.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the violent riots, questions loom over its ability to restore order, address the grievances of the police force, and navigate the broader socio-political implications of this crisis. International attention and concern underscore the significance of stabilizing the situation in Papua New Guinea.