PNG Prime Minister Announces Military Recruitment Probe
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape has announced an investigation into the country's military recruitment process. The announcement follows a protest by a small number of soldiers near a major barracks in the capital. A senior member of the Australian Defence Force will assist with the probe, which is expected to take two weeks. The nation's defence minister has stepped aside pending the outcome.
Protest and Investigation Announcement
On Tuesday, a small number of soldiers established makeshift roadblocks near Murray Barracks in Port Moresby. The soldiers described their action as a peaceful protest related to concerns about military recruitment processes.
In response, Prime Minister James Marape announced a formal investigation. He stated the probe would be thorough and is expected to take two weeks to complete.
Marape said all soldiers who raise allegations through proper channels would be protected.
Key Parameters of the Investigation
- Scope: The investigation will examine recruitment processes within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
- International Involvement: A senior member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), identified in some reports as a brigadier general, will assist. Prime Minister Marape stated this inclusion would provide "additional credibility and ensures an arm’s-length review."
- Internal Investigations: All ongoing investigations into officers at Murray Barracks have been suspended until the recruitment probe is complete.
- Call for Order: Prime Minister Marape urged soldiers not to break the law to resolve grievances.
Background and Allegations
The investigation follows allegations reported by local media concerning recruitment practices. The reports allege that Defence Minister Billy Joseph interfered with army recruitment by enlisting soldiers from his home district, a process described as involving nepotism.
In connection to these allegations, four soldiers were previously accused of breaching the military code of conduct for allegedly leaking footage that reportedly showed over-aged men being recruited. A small group of soldiers subsequently deserted their posts in protest, reportedly believing they were unfairly targeted for reporting the alleged misconduct.
Defence Minister Billy Joseph has stepped aside from his duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
Military and Police Security Measures
Following the protest, PNG Chief of Defence Force Philip Polewara ordered all military units to implement "close camp" security procedures for one month. These measures include:
- Shutting down weapons armouries.
- Restricting the use of military vehicles.
- Limiting movements in and out of barracks.
A directive signed by Rear Admiral Polewara stated that any breach would be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.
Separately, PNG Police Commissioner David Manning stated that any "troublemakers" would be "shut down and locked up."
Regional Context
The announcement comes amid ongoing defense cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Australia. The two countries signed a mutual defense treaty in October. The treaty has not yet been ratified by Papua New Guinea's parliament. Some reports indicate the ratification process was delayed over concerns the agreement might affect PNG's sovereignty and non-aligned foreign policy.