Five Prominent Opposition leaders are rallying behind the impending Vote of No Confidence (VONC)

 

By WANPIS AKO| PNG SUN|

Five Prominent Opposition leaders are rallying behind the impending Vote of No Confidence (VONC), calling it a national duty to redirect the country’s leadership and future.

In a media conference moments ago at Crown Hotel in Port Moresby, alternate Prime Minister, Sir Peter Ipatas issued a passionate reminder to all Members of Parliament (MPs) that they hold a sacred mandate from the people. "This is a moment to save our country. Each leader must now decide — do we continue down this path, or do we answer the cry of our citizens?" he said. He stressed that the government in power during the elections remains the same, and only God knows what lies ahead unless urgent action is taken.

Taking the cue from Sir, Peter, Wabag MP Dr. Lino Tom described the current political climate as one of national frustration and dissent. "Politics is about making promises and delivering for the people. Unfortunately, too many promises remain unfulfilled. The people are watching, and they are the best judges," he said. Dr. Tom urged leaders to put national interest above tribal or regional loyalties, warning that self-interest is weakening the fabric of the country. "We are at a crossroads. This is a time to objectively assess the government’s performance and make a bold decision."

Hiri-Koiari MP, Keith Iduhu reinforced the legality of the VONC under Section 63 of the Organic Law, stating that the prerogative lies with Parliament. "This is a rare moment to make a big call. Vote with conscience — vote for the future of our nation."

Abau MP, Sir Puka Temu, who moved the VONC motion, called it a “national call,” not a personal attack on Prime Minister James Marape. "This is not about the PM’s office but about the direction of our nation. I have spoken to many MPs and citizens — they are calling for change. It’s time to humble ourselves and respond to the national cry."

Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane echoed the urgency, stating bluntly that Prime Minister Marape is not fit to continue leading the country. "This government has failed to deliver. From cash flow problems to broken promises on agriculture and jobs, where have you been in the last six years?" Nomane asked. "In 2027, nothing will change unless we act now. We are leaders, and the people expect us to be brave enough to make the tough decisions."

With the clock ticking toward the VONC, all eyes are now on Parliament as leaders face a defining moment — one that may reshape the future of Papua New Guinea.

SORCERY DISPLACES THOUSANDS IN MADANG

The fear of sorcery and sorcery-related killings has displaced thousands of people from their village in Madang province.

Over two thousand people including women and children are running from their own land as refugees, because of sorcery related killings in the Nahu-Rawa Local Level Government area of the Raikos District.

Former Nahu-Rawa LLG Vice President, Guyu Sapia, says he's currently taking care of some of them in a care center 2-kilometers out of the Ramu Sugar Township.

Fifty lives have been lost between 2012 and 2016 because of sorcery related payback killings.

This month three more people have been killed in relation to sorcery.

Locals want police to visit the are to arrest suspects and restore law and order.

NBC News - Celina Korei

POLICE COMMISSIONER CONDEMNS SORCERY-RELATED VIOLENCE AND KILLINGS IN ENGA

Police Commissioner David Manning has condemned the recent sorcery-related violence and killings in Enga province in relation to the death of Enga businessman Jacob Luke of Mapai Transport.

He said nine women were rounded up and tortured over the death of the Engan businessman.

In a statement today, Mr. Manning said Enga police intervened when news of the torture reached Wabag town, however, were only able to rescue five badly injured women who were tortured.

Four died and were buried before police arrived.

Mr. Manning said “This barbaric, senseless and evil act is an insult to the memory of a great man from Enga. Jacob Luke was kind, honest, and a hard-working man who was against such evil acts."

“I have been assured by the Enga Provincial Commander that all who participated in the torture and murder will be arrested and charged."

Mr. Manning said this evil act cannot continue and the police will take the strongest stand.

He said police will not rest until every one involved in this evil act are arrested, charged and prosecuted.

NBC News

Papua Barat: Tempat Terjadinya Genosida

"Melalui transmigrasi, kita akan mencoba mewujudkan apa yang telah dijanjikan, yaitu menyatukan semua kelompok etnis menjadi satu bangsa... kelompok etnis yang berbeda pada akhirnya akan hilang karena integrasi... dan akan ada satu jenis manusia."

Itu adalah pernyataan Martano, Menteri Transmigrasi Indonesia, 20 Maret 1985.

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Pemerkosaan di Papua Barat

Oleh Marcus Colchester

Meningkatnya program Transmigrasi baru-baru ini di provinsi Irian Jaya yang dilanda pertikaian telah menunjukkan dengan gamblang signifikansi program tersebut bagi militer. Program transmigrasi didorong di provinsi tersebut sebagai bagian integral dari upaya Pemerintah untuk mengintegrasikan secara paksa masyarakat yang membangkang ke dalam tatanan nasional, yang secara terang-terangan menentang hak-hak mereka yang diakui secara internasional atas tanah mereka dan atas penentuan nasib sendiri.

Tiga setengah juta orang Paguana adalah ras Melanesia, yang berbicara lebih dari seribu bahasa yang berbeda dan terkait. Karena mereka beragam secara budaya dan bahasa, mereka mendiami hutan yang sama dan dataran tinggi yang curam yang membentang di tanah yang dulunya dikenal sebagai Nugini, yang sekarang terbagi menjadi Irian Jaya (Pupua Barat) dan Papua Nugini (PNC). Populasi di bagian barat diperkirakan mencapai 1,2 juta dari sekitar 800.000 adalah penduduk tradisional pulau-pulau tersebut, sisanya adalah pendatang baru. Orang Papua Barat tetap menjadi salah satu suku yang paling terisolasi dan tradisional di dunia, dengan kesetiaan yang kuat terhadap cara hidup leluhur mereka yang menemukan ekspresi yang kuat selama era kolonial dalam gerakan revitalisasi yang dikenal sebagai kultus kargo.

PEMBAGIAN: WARISAN KOLONIAL

Belanda memasukkan Papua Barat ke dalam kekaisaran mereka yang sedang berkembang pada abad ke-19, dan, pada tahun 1848, membuat perjanjian dengan Jerman dan Inggris untuk membagi pulau itu menjadi tiga bagian. Sebagai akibat dari Perang Dunia, kedua bagian timur masuk ke dalam kedaulatan Australia. Bagian barat dipertahankan oleh Belanda sebagai koloni terakhir yang tersisa di Hindia Timur, sementara Republik Indonesia tumbuh dalam kekacauan setelah penarikan Jepang. Upaya Belanda untuk mengembangkan Papua Barat, yang tidak berarti pada masa sebelum perang, ketika itu hanya diklaim sebagai penyangga terhadap perambahan teritorial, hampir tidak lebih efektif di era pascaperang. Belanda tidak melakukan apa pun selain mendirikan beberapa kota pesisir dan mengizinkan beberapa eksplorasi minyak.

PENGKHIANATAN DI PBB

Meningkatnya tekanan di Negara-negara Inisiatif untuk dekolonisasi Wilayah Ketiga, terkait dengan tekanan dari kelompok-kelompok ekonomi, baik transnasional maupun di AS dan Indonesia, memaksa Belanda untuk mengkodekan Papua Barat ke thi pada tahun 1962.

PBB, pada gilirannya, menyerahkan daerah itu ke dalam wilayah Indonesia pada tahun 1963, "dengan pengertian bahwa akan ada pemungutan suara pada tahun 1969 untuk menguji pendapat tentang Irian Barat". "Tindakan Pilihan Bebas" tahun 1969, yang menyusul enam tahun penindasan yang kejam, terkenal sebagai lelucon yang lengkap dan tragis di mana hanya 1.025 orang Paguana yang dipilih dengan cermat yang benar-benar memiliki hak suara. Suara bulat mereka yang mendukung pencaplokan ke dalam wilayah Indonesia diratifikasi oleh Majelis Umum. Setelah melepaskan kendali atas daerah itu dari satu wilayah kolonial, ON segera menyerahkannya kepada wilayah lain.

FLANDER SUMBER DAYA

Sumber daya alam yang belum dimanfaatkan di Papua Barat merupakan salah satu alasan utama mengapa Papua Barat dianeksasi oleh Indonesia. Wilayah ini telah menjadi provinsi yang paling menguntungkan di Indonesia. Wilayah ini menghasilkan ekspor minyak, timah, emas, tembaga, dan mineral lainnya dalam jumlah besar. Terdapat perdagangan kulit buaya dan kulit penyu yang berkembang pesat. Sebagian besar tanah suku diambil alih sebagai perkebunan kelapa sawit.

Penebangan hutan di Papua Barat telah merusak hutan-hutan di sana. Daerah-daerah dataran rendah yang luas telah diberikan konsesi. Namun, untuk mendorong perdagangan kayu, kontrol normal yang mengatur masalah hak penebangan telah dicabut. Perusahaan-perusahaan yang beroperasi di Papua Barat secara terang-terangan mengabaikan hak-hak adat dan hukum penduduk setempat dan, lebih sering daripada tidak, menghindari pembayaran kompensasi atas kerusakan yang disebabkan pada lingkungan mereka. Di daerah-daerah tersebut, penduduk setempat telah ditipu dalam pemilihan tenaga kerja, sementara di tempat lain mereka dibayar dengan upah yang sangat rendah untuk menghancurkan hutan mereka sendiri.

.....................

TOK BLONG SPPF adalah bahasa Inggris pidgin yang digunakan di banyak bagian Pasifik. Secara harfiah dapat diterjemahkan sebagai "pembicaraan ini ditujukan kepada SPPF atau. Buletin SPPP. TOK BLONG SPPF diterbitkan empat kali setahun oleh South Pacific Peoples Foundation of Canada, 407-620 View Victoria, BC, Canada VSW LI dan tersedia bagi para donatur SPPF (minimal 310 tahun). SPPF hadir untuk mengangkat isu-isu kritis di Pasifik Selatan kepada khalayak Kanada melalui berbagai metode pendidikan publik, dan untuk membantu mendapatkan bantuan keuangan, teknis, dan bantuan lain dari Kanada yang relevan ke Pasifik Selatan untuk membantu penduduk pulau dalam pengembangan diri mereka sendiri. TOK BLONG SFPF disunting oleh Phil Esmonde.

Parliamentary Opposition is urging the government to listen to the voices of Papua New Guineans who are calling for a change

 By Malon Ere | PNG SUN|

As the Vote-of-No-onfidence (VoNC) against Prime Minister James Marape is looming, the Parliamentary Opposition is urging the government to listen to the voices of Papua New Guineans who are calling for a change.

Former Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, in a press conference today in Port Moresby, bluntly called on PM Marape to resign from office.

This called was labelled by Pangu Party as 'rubbish and baseless.'

It, he said, is clear that the country has changed over the past six years.

O’Neill pointed out that during Marape’s leadership, global prices for key commodities like coffee, cocoa, gold, copper, oil, and gas have been high. “As a result, government revenue has increased,” he said.

However, O’Neill criticized the government, saying the increase in revenue does not reflect the reality of the country’s situation. “We still run a deficit budget of 4% to 5% every year.

The government continues to spend more than it plans,” he said.

He also claimed that the current government has taken loans totaling up to K17 billion, which he says will be a burden on future generations.

According to O’Neill, no new foreign investment has entered the country in the last six years.

He added that both social and economic indicators show poor performance. “Education standards are falling, health services are nearly non-existent, and basic services are not reaching many communities, towns, and cities,” he said.

“There is also a total breakdown in law and order,” O’Neill added, referring to the growing number of crimes reported daily in the media.

He warned that the country’s population is growing fast, with some estimates suggesting a 4% annual increase, which contributes to high unemployment.

O’Neill reflected on his own time as Prime Minister, saying he stepped down after listening to the people. “It was not an easy decision, but I felt I was doing the right thing,” he said.

He also spoke about the importance of Pangu Pati in the nation’s history. He urged government MPs to act with integrity. “The people gave you the power. Now it’s time to listen to them and act,” he said.

He stated that Prime Minister Marape has much more to contribute to the country but for now the people have lost confidence in him. “Let someone else lead until the 2027 election,” he suggested.

“There is no shame in resigning. It takes strength and courage to know when to step down,” O’Neill said.

In closing, he called on Marape to take responsibility during the VoNC process. “We are happy for change to happen from within. There are good leaders on the government side, and they must stand up for the country,” he said.

R.I.P. RON JONKER

The news of Ron Jonker's death is reaching us. We have lost a comrade.

He was a loyal supporter of Free West Papua. In the Netherlands, he did his best to do the same where West Papua could be promoted. Ron also came to support us a few times at our campaign tent at Malieveld in The Hague.

Prive, Ron has been battling cancer for 15 years. He had a rough time, but it never discouraged him. Even when he was very ill, he still thought of the Papua people.

He was feisty until the end.

Dear Ron, you have fought your fight, you are in a better place now.

Thank you very much for your love for West Papua, your support and solidarity over the years with the struggle of the Papuan people.

Thank you for your Fighting Spirit,

Thank you so much and Godspeed sir Ron.

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Bougainville Independence Consultation Heads to Historic Burnham, New Zealand

By BIM Corporate Author

Port Moresby, 10 April 2025— The next round of high-level political consultations between the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is set to take place at Burnham, New Zealand, a location steeped in significance for the Bougainville peace process.

Burnham played host to landmark negotiations in 1997 that paved the way for the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA), signed in 2001. Its symbolic role in the peacebuilding journey makes it a fitting venue for the third round of the current consultation series, which aims to determine Bougainville’s political future.

The announcement came as the second round of formal consultations concluded today in Port Moresby. Held from 7 to 10 April, the talks were moderated by Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, KtStJ, who described the dialogue as constructive and forward-looking.

This round is the second in a scheduled series of four consultations occurring between March and June 2025. It built on the outcomes of the first meeting, during which Prime Minister James Marape and ABG President Ishmael Toroama presented their visions for Bougainville’s future.

The Port Moresby meeting focused on identifying and agreeing on key issues necessary for progress toward a political settlement. Discussions were structured around four core pillars: Political, Institutional, Economic, and Parliamentary matters.

Topics covered included transitional timelines, fiscal arrangements, institutional readiness, constitutional considerations, and mechanisms for continued consultation and public awareness. Both parties emphasized the importance of mutual respect and sustained engagement throughout the process.

In the final session, Minister for Bougainville Affairs Hon. Manasseh Makiba and ABG Vice President Hon. Patrick Nisira reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to the BPA and the peaceful path it laid out.

Sir Jerry praised the efforts of both delegations, saying, “I commend both parties for their continued dedication to peaceful dialogue, and I remain honoured to support their efforts toward a lasting and meaningful resolution.”

As the process moves to Burnham, hopes remain high that the spirit of 1997 will inspire renewed progress toward a peaceful and lasting outcome.

Photos Credit: ABG Media Bureau

#pngcurrentaffairs #pnghistory #pngpolitics #pngupdates #bougainvilleindependence #Bougainvilleisland #Bougainvillepeople #Bougainvillenews #Bougainvilleupdates

Peter O'Neill: The People Want Change. Hear their Call

 

I made this statement to the press this afternoon. Would appreciate you sharing.

In 2019, I thought as Prime Minister, that I was steering the Government I led in the right direction for the betterment of Papua New Guineans.

Whether it was keyboard warriors or whether it was politics from within my own

Government or whether it was just time for a change, the people of PNG told me clearly, they wanted me to step aside and hand over to another Prime Minister.

It was not an easy to decision to resign not the least because the Party I lead; the Peoples National Congress (PNC) had fairly won 29 seats in the 2017 National General Elections. The PNC MPs would undoubtedly also be impacted by my decision to resign. But I did it anyway knowing the MPs I stood with in PNC also understood that we could only govern if the people we represented wanted us to. I and PNC had lost the social licence to operate, and it was clear the people of PNG wanted me to stand down.

At the time, allegations of corruption against me were loud and drowning out my ability to represent my country properly and professionally. I understood and had faith in the Justice system that if I stood down without the power and influence that comes with the top job, it would allow investigations to be undertaken fairly. I was confident my record of integrity would be re-established by being tested in a court of law and I could see that this was impossible to achieve if I remained Prime Minister.

Being the Prime Minister is a privileged position and I loved the role. A lot of people around me had a vested interest in me hanging on to the role of PM and naturally, applied a lot of pressure for me not to resign. It is a very public role and a decision to step down would inevitably affect my own ego and self-confidence. I took counsel from people around me including former Prime Ministers, Sir Michael Somare and Sir Julius Chan. After weighing everything up, I resigned.

Resigning on the day in parliament was straightforward. The decision was made, and I felt an ease that I was doing the right thing. It was no longer for me to have an opinion about whether James Marape was ready for the role as he was well supported by both MPs and the public.

It is clear times have changed and after six years, the current Prime Minister, Honourable James Marape, a proud representative of Tari-Pori, Hela Province and Papua New Guinea needs to hear and heed the cries of our people.

Our country and democracy are in dire straits and the people are convinced that under the current Prime Minister we are not going to repair. Time for a new Prime Minister to lead at least until the 2027 election.

Prime Minister Marape has much more to contribute to our country but for now he has lost the confidence of our people and staying in the top job is doing more harm than good. I am sure this is not his intention, but it is the undeniable case.

There is no shame in resigning - the opposite. It takes strength and courage to know when to step down and be humbled.

Pangu Pati as a foundational political party also needs to show leadership as a collective.

Pangu formed government with coalition partners. These partners and Pangu Pati are being severely damaged at the party level and as individual MPs for hanging on to power when the people have clearly said “inap nau”. Pangu’s reputation matters just like PNC’s mattered in 2019. Pangu should not persist to cling on to power when it is clear it has lost the mandate of the people.

The winds of change are upon us. Time to listen to the people and act. Not listening to the winds of change will only make them stronger.

PO.

#WokMasGoYet #papuanewguinea #vonc2025PN

Enga Governor Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas has been officially reaffirmed as the Alternate Prime Minister nominee

 

By Steven Kenda | PNG SUN

In a dramatic turn of events shaking Papua New Guinea’s political landscape, Enga Governor Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas has been officially reaffirmed as the Alternate Prime Minister nominee.

The announcement was made moments ago at a press conference held at the Crown Hotel, where Sir Ipatas addressed the media flanked by key opposition figures. His nomination comes amid reports that four fellow Engan Members of Parliament — Sir John Pundari, Don Polye, Mikki Kaeyok, and Amos Akem — have declared their continued support for the current government, adding further complexity to the unfolding political drama.

Governor Ipatas was quick to clarify the nature of his nomination, stating, “I was not nominated by an individual party or the Engan Members.” He emphasized that his candidacy is a product of a collective decision by several opposition-aligned parties, united in their pursuit of a government change.

In a bold statement, Sir Ipatas called on all Members of Parliament, including those from Enga, to “leave the government to form a new government,” signaling a potential bid for a vote of no confidence in the current leadership.

Adding momentum to the move, former Prime Minister and prominent opposition figure Peter O’Neill has publicly endorsed Sir Ipatas. “We, the opposition, are backing his side,” O’Neill declared, highlighting a unified front within the opposition bloc.

This nomination marks a critical moment in the nation’s political timeline, as tensions escalate and strategic negotiations intensify behind the scenes. The stance of the four Engan MPs — all seen as key political players — will be closely watched in the days ahead, as pressure mounts for them to align with the newly declared opposition movement.

Whether this development will lead to a successful change in government remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Papua New Guinea’s political future hangs in the balance.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TO HOST 4th MSG PRIME MINISTER'S CUP TOURNAMENT

PORT VILA, VANUATU (9 April 2025): The fourth edition of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup will be held in Port Moresby from 4 - 18 October 2025, following the signing of a Host Agreement between the MSG and the Government of Papua New Guinea, through the PNG Sports Foundation today.

This followed the end of day one of the MSG Sports Stakeholder Consultation on the MSG Prime Ministers Cup in Port Vila, Vanuatu this afternoon.

The Agreement will now commit the Government of PNG’s budgetary support in preparation for the hosting of the 4th Edition of the MSG PM’s Cup.

In his opening remarks, the MSG Chair and Sports Minister Hon. MP Job Sam Andy, Minister of Justice, Youth and Community Services, welcomed the delegation and officials from the PNG Sports Foundation and commended the 2025 theme of the MSG PM’s Cup - “Supporting a healthy Melanesia through Sports”.

The tournament he said, is one of the flagship events of the MSG and a standing mandate by the MSG Leaders for Members to host it on a rotational basis.

“Football is connected to the livelihoods and future of the people of Melanesia, a sport that not only builds our nations’ pride and identity but has also put the region on the world map.”

He added it is imperative that sports is connected to the development of Melanesia’s youth as a mechanism for dealing with social issues to improve their status.

Acting Director General of the MSG Secretariat, Ilan Kiloe, in his remarks stated that the Sports programme has and will continue to help the MSG chart its course.

“The success of this Consultation proves yet again the ongoing commitments of the Membership for youth and sports development, and we will continue to celebrate our achievements as we look forward to the milestones through the vision of our Leaders,” he said.

“Sports is an important programme of the MSG Secretariat and for the MSG, Sports including Arts and Culture acts as a glue that binds everyone together despite our diverse political, cultural and religious views,” Mr Kiloe added.

Vanuatu was the proud host of the inaugural MSG PM’s Cup in September 2022 in Port Vila when PNG emerged as winner. New Caledonia hosted the 2nd Edition in October 2023 which saw Solomon Islands coming out victorious while the 3rd Edition was hosted in the Solomon Islands in December 2024 which saw PNG winning for the second time. Fiji will host the tournament's 5th Edition in 2026.