Opposition Blames Government for PNGDF Crisis, Calls for Leadership Overhaul

Papua New Guinea Opposition Leaders James Nomane has attributed the recent unrest at Murray Barracks to years of political interference and declining institutional standards within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

 Opposition Blames Government for PNGDF Crisis, Calls for Leadership Overhaul

In a statement referencing events between April 14 and 15, Nomane said the situation was “not an isolated incident” but the result of long-standing governance failures. He defended the soldiers who exposed alleged irregularities, insisting that whistleblowers were not at fault.

Nomane accused the government of conducting a flawed recruitment process and unfairly dismissing experienced officers, including Joe Teriken, a Bougainville veteran with more than three decades of service. He claimed the officers were removed without due process.

The Opposition Leader also criticised Prime Minister James Marape, alleging he was part of the Defence Council responsible for the decisions now under scrutiny. Nomane said the Prime Minister’s public statements amounted to “political theatre” rather than genuine leadership.

He further argued that despite years of funding, the government had failed to improve conditions for military personnel, including pay, housing, and training. Nomane linked the ongoing recruitment controversy to alleged electoral manipulation, claiming recruitment may have been used for political advantage.

Describing the situation as a national security concern, Nomane called for the immediate removal of senior defence officials, including the Defence Minister and top military commanders.

He also urged that whistleblowers be reinstated and protected, and that any investigation into the matter be fully independent of the current administration.