Roadblock cleared as soldiers maintain demands over recruitment concerns
The roadblock set up by soldiers at Murray Barracks has now been cleared, following an overnight standoff in Port Moresby.
Despite the removal of the barricade, the soldiers have maintained a formal four-point ultimatum to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force [PNGDF] hierarchy, calling for immediate accountability and an end to alleged systemic corruption.
The soldiers had earlier blocked access roads leading to the barracks, describing their actions as a peaceful protest against irregularities within the force.
The following demands have been presented for resolving the situation:
• Dissolution of the Defence Council: The soldiers claim that any investigation into recruitment irregularities is fundamentally compromised while individuals implicated in those processes, specifically Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph and the Commander of the PNGDF, continue to sit on the Council.
• Leadership Reform and Reinstatement: The soldiers are calling for the removal of Chief of Personnel, Colonel Rodney Yahamani, and the appointment of a successor. They are also demanding the immediate reinstatement of three discharged officers: Lt. Col. Joe Teriken [Chief of Training], Chief Warrant Officer Benson Eremas, and Chief Warrant Officer Boino.
• Withdrawal of Disciplinary Charges: The soldiers also demanded that all charges against four soldiers currently facing disciplinary action be dropped immediately.
• External Independent Investigation: Rejecting internal reviews, the soldiers are calling for an external, independent team to conduct a thorough investigation into the PNGDF recruitment process.
Earlier today, the Commanding Officer for the Force Support Battalion, Major Ashley Gamiandu, attempted to address the group, however the soldiers declined mediation, insisting that the PNGDF Commander address them in person.
Speaking to NBC News, the soldiers said they accept Prime Minister James Marape’s call to pause the internal investigation, but reiterated that only a thorough, independent inquiry, inclusive of senior leadership, will be sufficient to expose those involved.
The soldiers maintain that their actions remain a peaceful protest focused on eliminating corrupt practices within the force.