Mutiny quelled in Papua New Guinea
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The government in Papua New Guinea has halted a mutiny by rebel soldiers and regained full control of its main military barracks, the country's Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, said last night.
Up to 20 soldiers loyal to former Prime Minister Michael Somare had raided the main army barracks, seized their chief commander and placed him under house arrest in an action dubbed Operation Protect the Constitution.
The rebels demanded that Mr O'Neill reinstate Mr Somare as leader, while Mr Somare himself issued a statement declaring himself as the legitimate prime minister.
But hours later Mr O'Neill said the military commander had been released and the rebel soldiers had withdrawn to their barracks, and that his government was back in "full control".
He added: "We will now start an investigation into the issues that the soldiers have and we'll resolve them as we move forward."
Mr O'Neill added the mutiny leader, retired Colonel Yaura Sasa, was being dealt with, but he did not clarify whether Col Sasa had been detained.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments