Former PNG PM O’Neill Criticises PM Marape Over Unrest and University of Goroka Shutdown
Papua New Guinea’s former prime minister Peter O’Neill has delivered a sharp rebuke of Prime Minister James Marape, saying the Government has failed to protect University of Goroka students and the wider Goroka community. His comments follow violent clashes that prompted the university to halt classes for the remainder of the academic year.
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| Former PNG PM O’Neill Criticises PM Marape Over Unrest and University of Goroka Shutdown |
O’Neill said the situation reflects a deeper national decline in security, arguing that incidents like the 2019 killings in Tari remain unresolved despite earlier commitments from Marape to bring perpetrators to justice. He said the lack of accountability has fuelled a climate in which violence is becoming more frequent.
He pointed to the 2022 election turmoil as another example of weakened governance, claiming security forces were mismanaged, contributing to widespread disorder. The former PM said the repercussions of that failure were now visible in Goroka, where the UOG Senate opted to suspend classes to safeguard students and staff.
According to O’Neill, the Senate’s decision was understandable given the circumstances, but he maintained that the Government should have ensured a safe environment so the academic year could continue. He argued that effective policing and mediation would have prevented the situation from escalating.
He also criticised what he described as excessive overseas travel by the Prime Minister, saying national challenges require hands-on leadership at home.
“PNG PM Marape has failed 6,000 UOG students, their families and the people of Goroka,” O’Neill said.
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