Papua New Guinea officially ratified the long-awaited PNG-Indonesia Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) on February 21, 2024, marking a significant step in their relationship. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko, signed the Instrument of Ratification, triggering the agreement’s full entry into force. The DCA, first signed in 2010, aims to strengthen military ties, discuss strategic issues, and address border security concerns between the two countries. Ratification will allow coordinated efforts to tackle illegal border activities, improve military surveillance, and promote cooperation in defence operations. The agreement highlights PNG’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and promoting peaceful coexistence with Indonesia. Minister Tkatchenko…
Author: Joshua ARLO
The Pogera-Laigam-Wabag road in Enga is closed for two weeks to allow for restoration. Recent heavy rains resulted a major landslip, blocking traffic between Laigam and Wabag. Ongoing landslips are causing security and safety concerns for traffic, but the Department of Works and Highways expects to restore partial traffic flow by directing traffic to alternative routes. Emergency works commenced on Monday February 26th by Kaystar Limited. A permanent solution will be advised following the interim road repairs.
Simberi miner, St Barbara Limited is facing significant pressure from the New Ireland Provincial Government to fulfil their obligations regarding royalty payments. Failure to comply could result in the non-renewal of their mining lease. The company came under scrutiny from the provincial government when Governor Sir Julius Chan found out last Tuesday, February 20th, that the Gold mine already produced 100,000 ounces of gold in 2015, which was the agreed amount for the Provincial Government to receive royalties. The provincial executive council (PEC) was advised by Simberi’s external Government Liaison specialist Dennis Zeriga-Gati when giving the company’s quarterly report that…
As of October 2023, Papua New Guinea’s National and Supreme Courts has 43 sitting judges, but Prime Minister James Marape plans to increase this number to 200. The courts, led by Chief Justice Sir Gibs Salika and Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi, has 41 judges – two serving in acting roles and two being Australian Federal Judges. Most judges are in Waigani, with some based in Lae, Madang, Mt. Hagen, Alotau, Buka, Kimbe, Kokopo, Kavieng, and one assigned to the Goroka/Tari circuit. The increase in judges is part of the government’s reforms to strengthen the judicial system and ensure justice…
Australian High Commissioner, John Feakes has described the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare as an “iconic figure and a giant on the national and international stage.” Sir Michael, fondly referred to as the father of the nation, passed away three years ago. On February 26th the nation held commemorative services in honor of him. Acknowledging Sir Michael’s monumental stature, the High Commissioner expressed his reverence when paying homage to the late Sir Michael’s final resting place in Wewak. High Commissioner Feakes had visited Wewak to extend condolences to the Somare family, and visit Sir Michael’s final resting place.…
In a chilling act of violence, Famuty Nola, a first-time offender, was sentenced earlier this month to 20 years in prison for the brutal murder of Susan Toi Ilona. The incident, which occurred in broad daylight in 2021, shocked the community and highlighted the need for strong deterrents against such heinous crimes. The court heard that Nola, fueled by suspicion and rage, followed Ilona after seeing her talking to another man. Intent on causing harm, he repeatedly stabbed her in the face and neck with a kitchen knife, ultimately causing her death. Famuty Nola was in a de-facto relationship with…
In a concerning development, a helicopter pilot, along with technicians, have been abducted in Hela Province, Papua New Guinea. The incident took place at a remote telecommunications site, with the victims being taken at gunpoint by a group driven by certain issues. According to Commissioner of Police David Manning, the abduction occurred during a scheduled stop near Mt Sisa, Tari. He said the pilot and passengers were taken at gunpoint by an issue-motivated group while the helicopter was undertaking a scheduled stop in the vicinity of Mt Sisa, Tari, this afternoon. The motive behind the abduction appears to be linked…
2024’s first Parliament sitting ended on a disappointing note for PNG’s Opposition when Acting Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan announced that their notice of motion of No Confidence in the Prime Minister would not be placed on the notice paper. The Opposition labelled it as a hijack of parliament procedures, but the Prime Minister James Marape said they failed to meet the requirements and to try again next time round. The rather abrupt decision roused criticism from the Opposition side who demanded an explanation. The Opposition’s outburst at this unwelcome news was overlooked by the acting Speaker, who proceeded to…
Prime Minister James Marape will be referring the mover and the seconder of the motion on the Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee to investigate reports of forgery of signatures in the motion. He expressed concerns that some politicians’ signatures were used without their permission in the motion filed on February 14 and February 20. Marape condemned the alleged forgery, stating that it’s “absolutely wrong” and reminiscent of past government fraud. “Leaders are coming out stating that their signatures have been used without their consent.” “I will be asking the Parliamentary Privileges Committee…
The PNG Opposition has called for Prime Minister James Marape’s resignation over his alleged involvement in the K162 million Paul Paraka case. Led by Alternative Prime Minister Allan Bird and Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa, they demand a thorough investigation and accountability. Tomuriesa highlighted Marape’s avoidance of questions in Parliament, suggesting a cover-up. The prime minister on the floor of parliament claimed the case is sub judicial as it is before the courts and therefore prohibited from public discussion elsewhere. But former Justice Minister, and Sinasina-Yongamulg MP Kerenga Kua disagreed with this view, and criticized Marape for his alleged involvement in…