Following violent rioting that resulted in at least 15 fatalities, Papua New Guinea’s capital has been placed under a state of emergency. Prime Minister James Marape announced the deployment of over 1,000 troops to restore order amidst escalating tensions.
The unrest erupted after police initiated a strike over perceived pay cuts, leading to widespread looting, arson, and destruction. Prime Minister Marape attributed the pay discrepancies to a computer glitch, assuring corrections in the subsequent month’s pay cycle.
Despite efforts to quell the violence with military intervention, the situation remains volatile, with reports of additional casualties in Lae, PNG’s second-largest city. National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop described the upheaval as unprecedented, primarily instigated by opportunistic individuals taking advantage of the law enforcement vacuum.
While addressing the nation, Prime Minister Marape emphasized the need for lawful behavior, cautioning against misinformation circulating on social media platforms. The government refuted claims of income tax hikes, attributing the rumors to false information exacerbating civil unrest.
Port Moresby residents recounted scenes of chaos, with widespread looting predominantly emanating from economically disadvantaged suburbs. Maholopa Laveil, an economics lecturer at the University of Papua New Guinea, highlighted the compounding factors, including rising inflation, unemployment, and socioeconomic disparities, culminating in the current crisis.
Furthermore, international repercussions emerged as the U.S. and Chinese embassies reported incidents near their compounds, with Chinese businesses targeted, prompting diplomatic interventions.
Amid an economic downturn and mounting public discontent, Prime Minister Marape faces escalating pressure, with the political opposition initiating motions challenging his leadership. As Papua New Guinea grapples with multifaceted challenges, urgent interventions are imperative to restore stability and address underlying grievances fueling societal unrest.
