Papua New Guinea’s prime minister pledged to crack down on “lawlessness” on Thursday, following riots in which 15 people were killed as angry crowds torched buildings and ransacked shops.
Violence erupted in the capital Port Moresby on Wednesday evening after a group of soldiers, police officers and prison guards launched protests against the government.
Within hours riots had also taken root in the city of Lae, some 300 kilometres (186 miles) to the north.
Prime Minister James Marape on Thursday apologised to the country, saying the bursts of “lawlessness” would “not be tolerated”.
“I want to speak today, speak to the people and speak to the country,” he said at a press conference.
“This is your country as much as it’s my country. Breaking the law does not achieve certain outcomes.”
Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed at least 15 people were killed during the outbreak of civil unrest.
On Jan. 10, police in Papua New Guinea's capital went on strike. Immediately, people started mass looting, rioting, and setting buildings on fire in scenes similar to US BLM riots. At least 15 were killed and a state of emergency has now been declared. pic.twitter.com/t4uhpegGSC
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) January 11, 2024
Footage showed looters in the capital dashing into stores through smashed glass windows, stuffing stolen goods into cardboard boxes, shopping trolleys and plastic buckets.
