Prime Minister James Marape declared this Thursday, January 11, a state of emergency in the capital Port Moresby for a fortnight, after riots broke out in both capitals of the country, leaving about fifteen dead and more than twenty injured. They erupted after demonstrations by police officers protesting against a pay cut. More than 1,000 soldiers are ready to intervene.
Published on: 01/11/2024 – 11:28 am Modified on: 01/11/2024 – 11:37 am
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It all started with an inexplicable drop in wages, which pushed groups of soldiers, police and prison guards to go on strike and demonstrate peacefully. The government has promised a fix, citing a technical issue.
But the situation deteriorates very quickly. In this very poor country with a high crime rate, angry crowds are joining the movement. Chaos reigned in the capital late into the night, with looting, looting and buildings burning. The unrest spread to Lae, 300 kilometers further north, and to at least four other cities in the country.
Earlier, a smaller crowd gathered outside the prime minister's office in Port Moresby, tore down a security fence and set fire to a parked police car. The rioters also reportedly targeted Chinese-owned businesses. China's foreign ministry filed a complaint with the government, saying two Chinese nationals were “minorly injured” in the violence. The US Embassy reported that shots were fired near its compound as police tried to “disperse groups of looters.”
In an address to the nation, Prime Minister James Marape criticizes the police and warns that no outbreak of anarchy will be tolerated. The situation remains very tense in some districts of the capital. The police were ordered to fire live ammunition. Several countries, including Australia, called for calm.
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