In a shocking turn of events, Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, has plunged into chaos with at least eight fatalities as rioting and violence erupted following a police strike over a contentious pay dispute.
The situation unfolded on Wednesday when hundreds took to the streets, setting shops and cars ablaze, and looting supermarkets.
The catalyst for the unrest was a protest staged by police and public servants outside parliament, revealing a significant reduction in their pay, with some experiencing up to a 50% cut.
Prime Minister James Marape addressed the nation, asserting that the pay deductions were due to a computer glitch and not, as some protesters claimed, a result of tax increases.
Despite the explanation, the discontent fueled widespread violence, prompting the deployment of the army to restore order.
While the riots subsided by Wednesday night, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the lingering tension, stating, "It's still tense out there." The unrest also extended beyond the capital, with reports of seven additional casualties in the city of Lae, though the full extent of the violence in the second-largest city remains unclear.
Amid the turmoil, the Port Moresby General Hospital confirmed eight deaths, and ambulance officials reported treating several gunshot injuries. Foreign embassies, including the US and China, lodged complaints regarding attacks on businesses and nationals.
The Chinese embassy highlighted assaults on Chinese shops, underlining the international ramifications of the crisis.
Australia, a key security partner for Papua New Guinea, issued a call for calm, refraining from direct intervention unless requested by Marape.
The prime minister, facing heightened pressure amid economic challenges and an opposition-driven vote of no confidence, has yet to seek peacekeeping assistance from Australia.
Analysts attribute the unrest to underlying social and economic discontent, exacerbated by the economic downturn, inflation, and unemployment rates.
As the nation grapples with this unprecedented crisis, concerns arise about its potential impact on political stability, international relations, and the well-being of its citizens. The coming days will reveal the efforts to restore order and address the root causes of the turmoil in Papua New Guinea.