Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Orders Soldiers to Stand Down Amid PNGDF Tensions

PNG Prime Minister James Marape has issued a late-night directive calling on soldiers stationed at Murray Barracks to remove roadblocks and return to their posts, as tensions continue within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force headquarters.

 Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Orders Soldiers to Stand Down Amid PNGDF Tensions

The Prime Minister, who is also serving as caretaker Defence Minister, made the call at around 10pm, urging calm and discipline among troops. He instructed protesting soldiers to cease their actions, return to their barracks, and report to their commanding officers.

On Wednesday morning, police secured all major access points leading into Murray Barracks, redirecting traffic away from the area. Roadblocks were established at key locations including Boroko Roundabout, Hohola (near PNG Power), Foodland, and 2-Mile in Badili.

The unrest stems from protests by soldiers over the suspension of whistleblowers who exposed alleged corruption in the PNGDF recruitment process. Demonstrators are demanding accountability from defence leadership and the reinstatement of those suspended.

Mr Marape acknowledged the actions of the whistleblowers, thanking them for bringing forward allegations of misconduct. However, he noted that proper procedures were not followed, particularly in the use of video recordings to report the issue. He added that any disciplinary measures against them would be suspended pending the outcome of investigations.

The Prime Minister also confirmed that the current internal inquiry has been halted to allow for a broader, Cabinet-approved investigation. This new probe will be led by senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and State Solicitor, alongside an independent external team.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader James Nomane has called for the protection and reinstatement of the whistleblowers. He further alleged that the recruitment scandal may be linked to electoral manipulation, urging that any investigation be fully independent of the current administration.