Tragic Events in PNG Not a Good Example to Fiji And Other Pacific Island States
The tragic events in Papua New Guinea earlier this week [on Wednesday and Thursday], which led to open mass riots and the death of 16 persons in the capital Port Moresby, and in the northern city of Lae, have important lessons for us here in Fiji.
Friday 12 January 2024 | 23:13
An aerial view of smoke billowing from buildings set alight during Wednesday’s unrest in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
The tragic events in Papua New Guinea earlier this week [on Wednesday and Thursday], which led to open mass riots and the death of 16 persons in the capital Port Moresby, and in the northern city of Lae, have important lessons for us here in Fiji.
It all started when members of the PNG Police Force and other public service officers walked off their jobs to protest an unintended reduction in their pay.
In their absence, youths from urban settlements descended into the main business areas, set fire to shops and other business premises, and then stole goods and merchandise.
There was no Police to stop them.
Clearly, the Government here in Fiji, and the leadership of the Fiji Police Force, must never allow this bad example of irresponsible and reckless behaviour to infect and undermine discipline in our police force and their commitment to their public duties.
The second lesson is that PNG, with its population of more than 10 million people, is no different from other Pacific island countries in that young people from rural provinces and villages are drawn to urban centres in search of a livelihood and more certain future.
These young people are to be found in urban settlements such as those in Port Moresby and Lae.
These are the people who are easily drawn into engaging in public protests and public misconduct when they see an opportunity to air their frustration at the lack of opportunity and prospect for a more certain future.
I know of this because in a post-graduate course on Conflict and Peace in Pacific Island states, which I teach at the University of Fiji School of Law, we have closely examined the causes of social and economic instability, which give rise to violent behaviour by unemployed youths.
The lesson then for our Government is that unemployed young people in our urban settlements cannot be ignored and be left to fend for themselves.
Government has to give priority attention to helping them secure a more certain future.
Feedback: Jioji Kotobalavu
