PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea Post-Courier/PINA) — Papua New Guinea’s ruling Peoples Democratic Party says it will not use the defense force in the June elections.
Prime Minister Mekere Morauta gave the assurance when he said two top changes made to the force command were to provide “circuit-breakers” and “prevent further political interference.”
He was commenting for the first time on the political maneuverings surrounding the Papua New Guinea Defense Force.
These also saw the defense ministry change hands from Kilroy Genia to Mathias Karani.
Col. Ben Norrie and Col. Joe Kewa were replaced by Lt. Col. Jeffrey Wiri as chief of operations and Lt. Col. Paul Mai as chief of personnel.
“The Moem mutiny came as a shock. It showed conclusively factionalism and a susceptibility to the same outside influences remained,” Morauta said.
“If those weaknesses remained, they could be exploited again, this time in the election campaign. No one, least of all loyal soldiers, would want that,” he said.
“Therefore there was a need to provide some circuit-breakers to strengthen the command structure and prevent further political interference. That is what we have done,” he added.
Morauta said the changes were made on recommendations from the commander and the Defense Council—contrary to information from sources near the Defense top brass. Morauta promised to see the commander, Brig. Gen. Peter Ilau, serve his term in office.
Morauta said the government was entitled to make changes, which were proper and should be expected at any time.
“Command structure is weak, we are strengthening it. We want to make sure that politicians do not get involved. You explain to me Moem Barracks, university (unrest) and Murray Barracks,” Morauta said.
