Papua New Guinea PM James Marape to face no confidence motion in parliament after deadly riots

Papua New Guinea’s opposition party on Tuesday initiated a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape as the nation’s parliament reconvened, marking the first session since violent riots took place in January amid a police strike.

According to parliamentary regulations, a vote on the motion cannot occur until next week. Marape has expressed confidence in his ability to secure enough support to defeat the motion.

Papua New Guinea, the largest Pacific Island nation situated between Asia and the South Pacific, has recently established a defence cooperation agreement with the United States. Additionally, it is being courted by China for security partnerships.

Addressing parliament for the first time regarding the riots, Marape criticised the police for striking over a salary discrepancy. He announced the appointment of a judge to oversee a commission of inquiry into the actions of the police force on 10 January.

“During the 10 hours police were not on duty in the capital Port Moresby, allowing rioters to cause mayhem, citizens had defended their suburbs and businesses,” Reuters quoted Marape a saying.

Sixteen people were killed in the rioting.

“We will not allow ill-discipline in our police force,” he said.

The defence force was not involved in the riot, Marape said, revealing that a military commander had asked to assist when Marape’s office came under attack from rioters.

“I said you will not bring your soldiers in,” he told parliament.

On a visit to Australia last week, Marape sought progress on a security and policing agreement struck in December that will see Canberra provide A$200 million to boost police training and recruitment.

With inputs from agencies