Soldiers and police patrolled the streets of Papua New Guinea’s capital on Friday, a day after the southwest Pacific nation declared a state of emergency in response to widespread rioting that left at least 22 people dead.
The rioting in Port Moresby has largely subsided, according to reports, after Prime Minister James Marape declared a 14-day state of emergency and suspended many public officials. The move came after a public sector wage protest on Wednesday turned violent and resulted in looting.
“Breaking the law does not achieve certain outcomes,” Marape stated in a national speech after declaring a state of emergency on Thursday. The Prime Minister also stated that the atmosphere was “still tense,” even if the turmoil had subsided. He also criticised social media for “misinformation”
Marape’s administration suspended Papua New Guinea’s finance minister and police commissioner, adding that the move “in no way indicates their involvement in matters of concern.”
Shops were looted and buildings were set on fire during the unrest, which began after police and other public employees went on strike on Wednesday over a wage cut of up to 50%, which government authorities later blamed on an administrative error. Marape has stated that the error will be fixed in the next month’s paychecks.
Nine people were reportedly killed in the capital, Australian broadcaster ABC said on Thursday, citing police officials. A further seven were killed in rioting in the second-largest city, Lae, the report added. Four of those who died were reported to have been shot by a business owner on the outskirts of Port Moresby. The remains of six more people were discovered on Friday, ABC said.
In excess of 50 people are being treated for injuries including gunshot and knife wounds, Port Moresby general hospital said in a statement.
Former Papua New Guinea leader Peter O’Neill said on Friday that he was “reeling” from the “shocking scenes that gripped Port Moresby,” calling it the darkest day in the country’s history, and saying Marape should shoulder the blame.
“There is no shame in accepting responsibility,” he continued, referring to Marape, “but it is extremely shameful to continue knowing you have lost command and control.”
Richard Marles, Australia’s defence minister, said on Friday that the violence in Papua New Guinea had been mostly contained and that the government had made some requests to Canberra for assistance. Australia and Papua New Guinea have strong diplomatic and commercial connections, and Port Moresby is a major recipient of Australian aid.
