Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has categorically rejected calls for his resignation, labeling them as politically motivated attempts to exploit social unrest for individual gain. He expressed concerns that certain opposition figures, including Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane, are leveraging societal issues to secure political power. Marape’s statements came in the wake of escalating unrest, specifically referring to events that transpired on January 10, 2024.
Prior to these events, Marape recounted how he was urged by senior members of his government to step down due to perceived declines in public support and increasing lawlessness. However, he firmly stated that resigning would not resolve the complex challenges facing the nation, emphasizing that leadership is about addressing issues strategically and allocating resources effectively.
In his address, Marape underscored the government’s commitment to combating the law-and-order problem by announcing unprecedented funding for law enforcement initiatives in 2024. He highlighted that the current issues stem from years of neglect of the police force, which he inherited in a state of disarray. In response, he is undertaking a series of reforms aimed at bolstering the capabilities of the police, including increased recruitment, enhanced training, and improved collaboration among security agencies.
Additionally, during a recent meeting with key security agencies, Marape issued clear directives emphasizing accountability and a collective responsibility to restore law and order. He stressed the importance of police discipline and effective enforcement, marking these as critical elements in regaining public trust.
In his remarks, Marape did not shy away from critiquing opposition leaders like Nomane, suggesting they are exacerbating unrest rather than helping to mitigate it. He acknowledged the efforts of the community in Eastern Highlands to cooperate with authorities in restoring calm, encouraging unity among political leaders to collaboratively tackle crime and instability.
Reflecting on past political disruptions, Marape warned that repeating such tactics, which previously led to the instability witnessed in 2011, would detract from the essential work needed to address persistent issues in the nation.
Despite the grave challenges, Marape remains optimistic about the potential for reform and calls upon emerging leaders to adopt a more constructive approach to governance. He advocates for stability and progress over political maneuvering, urging all stakeholders to focus on collaboratively addressing the pressing needs of Papua New Guinea.
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