Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, descended into chaos as violent riots erupted following a police strike over pay disputes. The situation escalated as hundreds took to the streets, looting shops, torching cars, and setting fire to supermarkets. National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, in a radio broadcast, attributed the looting to “opportunists,” emphasizing the unprecedented level of strife witnessed in the city. The unrest has led to casualties, though the exact number remains undisclosed.
Governor Parkop expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that the city had lost control as the violence spiraled out of proportion. The government responded by deploying the army to restore order, marking a historical moment of unrest in the country. Fires burned across Port Moresby, with firefighters facing threats while attempting to combat the blazes. Disturbing footage showed the extent of the chaos, including the burning of the guard house at the parliament by protesters.
The violence unfolded after police and public servants, including other essential services, initiated a strike outside parliament upon discovering significant reductions in their pay. Prime Minister James Marape clarified that a computer glitch, not a tax increase as rumored, caused the pay shortfall. The misinformation, amplified on social media, fueled the unrest, taking advantage of the absence of police presence. The government aims to rectify the administrative error, addressing the grievances of public servants.
The unrest poses a challenge to Marape’s economic goals and raises concerns about the stability of the country, urging swift and effective measures to quell the violence and restore order.
