Screengrab from Twitter

In response to the widespread rioting and looting that plagued Port Moresby yesterday, Prime Minister James Marape has declared a 14-day State-of-Emergency (SoE) in the National Capital District of Papua New Guinea.

Four high-ranking officials have been suspended pending a thorough investigation into the events that led to the violent outbreaks.

The SoE, invoked under Section 226 of the Constitution, was announced following extensive meetings with the National Security Advisory Committee, National Security Council, and National Executive Council (NEC).

The investigation will delve into the payroll issue, along with criminal investigations into the rioting and looting.

Marape highlighted the need to address the organized nature of the unrest, identifying individuals orchestrating the chaos. He announced the readiness of over 1,000 members of the PNG Defence Force to step in under State-of-Emergency laws if necessary.

Over the next 14 days, an administrative review will be conducted across the Police, Treasury, Finance, and Personnel Management sectors to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Marape addressed concerns within the disciplined forces, emphasizing that the rioting and looting must not be repeated.

“We want to secure democracy, the rule of law, and good administration of public service organizations, including the disciplined forces. Enough is enough, and I am mobilizing Grade 12 school leavers to be trained to take your place in the disciplined forces if you step out of line,” Marape asserted.