PNG Defence Force Soldiers Maintain Demands After Murray Barracks Roadblock Removed in Port Moresby

Operations around Murray Barracks in Port Moresby have returned to normal after soldiers who had staged a roadblock overnight cleared access points, ending a brief but tense confrontation.

However, the removal of the barricade has not ended the dispute, with the soldiers continuing to press a formal set of demands against the Papua New Guinea Defence Force leadership over alleged internal misconduct.

 PNG Defence Force Soldiers Maintain Demands After Murray Barracks Roadblock Removed in Port Moresby

The soldiers had earlier sealed off key entry roads to the barracks, describing their action as a peaceful demonstration aimed at drawing attention to recruitment issues and claims of systemic corruption within the force.

Their list of demands includes the disbandment of the Defence Council, restructuring of senior personnel positions, reinstatement of dismissed officers, cancellation of disciplinary proceedings against serving members, and the engagement of an external independent body to investigate recruitment processes.

Efforts by senior officer Major Ashley Gamiandu to intervene and speak with the group were unsuccessful, as the soldiers insisted on direct engagement with the highest-ranking PNGDF leadership.

The group has also expressed acceptance of the Prime Minister’s call to pause internal investigations but maintains that only an independent and transparent inquiry will resolve the concerns raised.