PNG PM Marape Hands Police Portfolio to Pundari Amid Highlands Violence

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has handed the Police portfolio to Kombiam–Ambum MP Sir John Pundari, citing the ongoing violence in the Upper Highlands as a key reason for the appointment.

The decision was announced during a press briefing at Melanesian Haus in Port Moresby ahead of the first National Executive Council meeting for 2026, where Mr Marape outlined a mini Cabinet reshuffle involving three newly sworn-in ministers.

PNG PM Hands Police Portfolio to Pundari Amid Highlands Violence

Mr Marape said the Police Ministry required firm leadership and a clear understanding of conflict-prone areas, noting that Sir John comes from a province that has long dealt with tribal fighting and law-and-order challenges.

“The violence in the Upper Highlands must be dealt with properly. Giving the Police Ministry to leaders like Sir John Pundari, who comes from a war-zone electorate and province, is the best fit so we can manage these situations well and bring forward proper solutions,” Mr Marape said.

As part of the reshuffle, Menyamya MP Solen Loifa was appointed Minister for Mining, filling the vacancy left when former minister Rambo Paita stepped down last year to contest the Morobe governorship. Tewae Siassi MP Kobby Bomareo was also named Minister for Housing.

Central Bougainville MP Peter Tsiamalili Jnr has been reassigned to the Works and Highways Ministry, where he is expected to continue national infrastructure programs previously overseen by the late Solan Mirisim.

Mr Marape said the government would soon convene a consultative meeting with the four governors from Enga, Western Highlands, Southern Highlands and Hela to agree on coordinated strategies to restore peace in the region.

He also issued a clear warning to the new ministers, saying their performance would be closely watched over the coming months.

“The ministers appointed must perform within the first three months in office to retain their portfolios. Failure to do so may result in further reshuffles,” Mr Marape said.