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Failed Coup in Papua New Guinea Backed by Political Rival
January 31, 2012
By: Rebecca Aaberg | Printer Friendly

On January 26, an attempt in Papua New Guinea to reinstate ousted former-Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare failed.  The military coup was led by Colonel Yaura Sasa, who claimed to be appointed defense minister by Somare.  Prime Minister Peter O’Neill called the move a “desperate act” after six months of political struggle between Somare and O’Neill, BBC reported.

The coup began before dawn when the commanding officer of Taurama barracks was taken captive, followed by the house arrest of Brigadier General Francis Agwi, an O’Neill supporter.  Sasa insisted that Somare be put back into power within a week or he would “be forced to take actions to uphold the integrity of the Constitution.” 

The coup was condemned by the Australian government, the largest suppliers of foreign aid to Papua New Guinea.  Australian Acting-Foreign Minister Martin Ferguson accepted O’Neill’s appointment as Prime Minister, stating: “The sooner we return to the normal constitutional political process, the better for Papua New Guinea.”  Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard released a written statement explaining that “the military has no place in Papua New Guinea's politics,” ABC news reported.

Somare was removed from power in June 2011 “due to illness and absence from the legislature” while abroad for medical treatment for a heart condition, Reuters reported.  According to the BBC, the members of Parliament declared Somare absent and proceeded to elect O’Neill to the post by a vote of 70 to 24.  Legislation passed under O’Neill’s government retroactively legalized Somare’s removal.  However, in December 2011, the Supreme Court in Papua New Guinea declared the removal of Somare illegal and voted three to two to reinstate him to power.  The New York Times reported that in December 2011, representative of the United Kingdom (UK) Governor General Michael Ogio declared his support for O’Neill, who maintains support among Papua New Guinea’s legislators.

The ousted former-Prime Minister led the movement for the country’s independence from the UK in 1975 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.  Since that time, Papua New Guinea has had a history of political violence, including more than a dozen deaths related to the 2002 elections in which Somare came to power. The New York Times reported Somare to have a “reputation… tarnished by accusations of corruption and heavy-handedness.” 

There are no reports in Port Moresby of violence resulting from the failed mutiny.  The event was a “bloodless raid,” according to the New York Times.

Sources:
ABC – Papua New Guinea Premier Rejects Mutineers’ Demand

BBC – PNG Mutineers “Seek Pardon” Amid Power Tussle

New York Times – Papua New Guinea’s Defense Chief Is Overthrown

Reuters – PNG Military Mutiny is Over, Says Prime Minister