Port Moresby, January 11, 2024: Prime Minister James Marape declared a 14-day state of emergency in Papua New Guinea’s capital on Thursday, following violent riots that resulted in 15 casualties and widespread looting and arson.
The unrest erupted in Port Moresby on Wednesday evening, triggered by protests from a coalition of soldiers, police officers, and prison guards who expressed grievances over unexplained deductions in their pay. The turmoil quickly spread to Lae, located 300 kilometers north of the capital.
“Today we call for a state of emergency for 14 days in our nation’s capital,” announced Prime Minister James Marape, with over 1,000 troops placed on standby to address any escalating situations.
Police Commissioner David Manning reported at least 15 fatalities in the clashes in Port Moresby and Lae. Port Moresby’s largest hospital treated 25 individuals with gunshot wounds and six with injuries from “bush knife” lacerations.
AFPTV footage captured scenes of looters raiding stores, setting fires, and chaotic streets. The US Embassy in Port Moresby reported shots fired near its compound as police attempted to disperse looters.
China lodged a complaint with the Papua New Guinea government, expressing concern over reports of rioters targeting Chinese-owned businesses. Two Chinese nationals were reportedly “lightly injured” during the violence.
National Capital District governor Powes Parkop described the unrest as an “unprecedented level of strife” in Port Moresby, while local newspaper the Post Courier labeled it the city’s “darkest day.”
Papua New Guinea, beset by poverty and high crime rates, experienced a burst of violence as security forces protested inside the parliament due to pay deductions. Despite the government’s promise to rectify the payroll issue, civilians joined the unrest.
Prime Minister Marape suspended four department chiefs involved in the payroll problem, including heads of personnel, finance, treasury, and Police Commissioner David Manning, each for a 14-day period.
The recent violence underscores the volatile nature of life in Papua New Guinea, a country rich in resources but grappling with widespread poverty. Australia, its neighboring nation, has recently entered into a security deal with Papua New Guinea to aid in combating arms trafficking, drug smuggling, and tribal violence.
“We continue to urge calm at this difficult time,” stated Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference on Thursday.
