Papua New Guinea
SYDNEY – Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape has declared a state of emergency in the country amid large-scale riots in the capital of Port Moresby.
Marape has placed the country under a 14-day state of emergency late Thursday and put 1,000 defense personnel on standby to deter possible escalation of violence.
The head of the New Guinean government also suspended several officials following massive riots and looting that killed at least 16 people.
Marape urged citizens to remain calm and "prioritize peace and normalcy."
"The absence of police presence led to riots and looting in certain parts of our city and the events in the capital appeared to have a ripple effect on other parts of the country," he said, adding that people must realize that it is their country and that they have a responsibility to maintain order in it.
The prime minister also said that Papua New Guinea's cabinet had decided to mobilize members of the Australasian country’s national army to help maintain order.
"Your government will look into some relief measures to help business after the losses they suffered," he said.
New Guinean law enforcement officers went on strike on Wednesday, January 10, in protest over allegedly unexplained payroll deductions.
The prime minister later said the deductions were due to a glitch in the government's payroll system and would be made up next month.
Taking advantage of the absence of police, rioters took to the streets and began looting and burning shops.
Authorities deployed police from other provinces and military personnel to Port Moresby to restore order on the streets.
As a result of the riots and civil disobedience, which also took place in other cities across the country, six members of the country’s parliament announced their resignation. (TASS)
