Political and military tensions have risen in Port Moresby, capital of PNG. A quick summary of the background is as follows. While long serving prime minister, Sir Michael Somare was under long term health recovery in Singapore, parliament voted in a new Prime Minister – Peter O’Neil in Aug 2011. This was subsequently challenged in the Supreme Court of PNG, who ruled in December 2011 that this vote was not constitutional. Parliament immediately had a re-vote, re-confirming O’Neil as Prime Minister. That piece of political activity happened peacefully, with the police and military remaining distant.
This morning, it is confirmed that certain elements of the PNGDF , led by a Col Yaura Sasa , have place the Commander of the PNG Defence Force, Augwi under “house arrest”. Col Sasa has stated in a press conference that this is not a coup and that they are calling both sides to recall parliament and uphold the Supreme Court decision reinstating Sir Michael Somare. He reiterated that they are only trying to protect the Constitution .
As always with these situations , any trouble or risk, is currently localized around the specific locations in Port Moresby. Most business in Port Moresby are closed today and we have no reports of trouble in other towns. Our Port Moresby staff are monitoring the situation and avoiding any unnecessary travel. Air Niugini have cancelled nearly all their flights into Port Moresby as a precaution. We have no reason to believe that any SIL staff would be targeted, if this situation escalates.
However, both side have weapons. Please pray that a peaceful solution will be reached.
