PNG's East Sepik Governor Calls for Action Over Alleged Tribal Bias in Defence and Police Recruitments

Papua New Guinea must protect its disciplined forces from political and tribal influence, Governor Allan Bird has urged, warning that recent allegations point to a dangerous trend within key state institutions.

Bird said attempts to manipulate recruitment into both the defence force and police service had been identified through investigations linked to the Parliamentary Special Committee on Elections.

 PNG's East Sepik Governor Calls for Action Over Alleged Tribal Bias in Defence and Police Recruitments 

He stated that evidence from three Highlands provinces revealed improper use of security forces during elections, with witnesses unwilling to testify openly due to fear of retaliation.

According to Bird, recruitment processes within the PNG Defence Force were targeted by political figures seeking to favour their own tribal groups, but those efforts were blocked by recruitment officials.

He added that similar pressure was applied within the police force, but was eventually countered with assistance from the Australian Federal Police and senior members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

The Governor warned that allowing such practices to take root would compromise the neutrality and effectiveness of the country’s security agencies.

He placed accountability on the national leadership, saying the Prime Minister must address the conduct of ministers linked to the allegations and uphold standards of governance.

Bird also welcomed the decision to stop investigations against whistleblowers, describing their actions as a call for help from within the system.

He renewed his call for an independent Commission of Inquiry, criticising the current internal process as lacking openness.

“It is imperative to restore public confidence in our institutions of government.”