Rising tension in Papua New Guinea - a test for international diplomacy
When riots broke out in Papua New Guinea on 11 January 2024, it resulted in two dozen deaths and a level of violence not seen in the country for decades. Civil servants, troubled by previous salary cuts due to an alleged computer error, demanded the resignation of current Prime Minister James Marape the day before. The state of emergency declared in response to the rioting and looting is just the latest of many attempts to ensure peace and order in the country. This turmoil reflects deeper issues in the young country and former colony: decades of rising living costs, unemployment, inadequate health care and increasing poverty.
Last year, Prime Minister Marape signed a significant security pact with the US in the hope to improve the country's troubled situation. The security pact, signed in May, grants American forces access to military bases, key ports and airports, while Papua New Guinea benefits from financial aid and support against criminal activities. In addition, Papua New Guinea started preliminary talks on a possible security agreement with China this month, which could lead to a growing power struggle between the two countries over the Pacific. The newly flared up unrest against the current Prime Minister in the country could therefore influence the international and geopolitical order in the region. Looking ahead, re-elections will be monitored closely by both Chinese and US officials.
Anja Ihle

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