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The source says the former defence attaché to Indonesia, a Colonel Safa, has now declared himself commander.

At this stage it is not clear if the incident is related to the conflict between Peter O’Neill and Sir Michael Somare over the country’s prime ministership, or if it is the work of disgruntled soldiers.

When the conflict erupted last month, Commander Agwi recognised Mr O’Neill as the country’s legitimate prime minister.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is warning Australians in Port Moresby to avoid travelling in the city this morning.

Sir Michael was ousted as prime minister and replaced by Mr O’Neill in August last year after his seat was declared vacant while he received medical treatment in Singapore.

Well that is special news Freddie. ‘PNG – Land of the unexpected’. Somare’s continued defiance was bound to boil over.

**********

Posted at 23:23 on 25 January, 2012 UTC
A group of men has seized and replaced the head of the Papua New Guinea defence force in what is believed to be linked to the power struggle between two senior politicians.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation says 12 to 20 men raided the military headquarters at Murray Barracks in the early hours of the morning.
They put Brigadier General Francis Agwi under house arrest and replaced him with a new commander, Yaura Sasa.
The action comes a day after the veteran politician, Sir Michael Somare, reiterated that he is the legitimate prime minister despite key institutions siding with Peter O’Neill who took control last August.

A very poor political calculation on someone’s part. Loose cannon’s are not appreciated by any sector of government. Expect a lot of folks out in the streets – loyal service members will isolate the locations – talks will begin.

It’s a election year.

agree 100% tusker. This is not the same as the previous problem. A dozen armed guys illegally detaining another military man who supports O’Niell will be put down quickly. And if there was any ties to Somare or if he knew about this in advance, he could be in big trouble.

Maybe we should load up, head down and clean up these incorrigibles ourselves! I think amongst us we have enough p.o’d hockey fans to clear this ice!!!

Mark
Grand Rapids, Mi.

http://twitter.com/liamfoxpng

15 of Sasa’s men have already been arrested. Sasa’s is being asked to turn himself in. Somare to be cooked by the weekend.

Ever seen “meet the robinsons”, when the dinosaur states this was not a very well thought out plan… Somare, you just burned any support you had.

• This reply was modified 114 days ago by  my2cows.
• This reply was modified 114 days ago by  my2cows.

Keystone Cops at its best. Sir Michael is really not doing anything for his image. Will end up shaming himself instead of going out with honor.

Official statement from Colonel Sasa

January 26, 2012 4:09PM
The Australian

”I have been duly appointed by the Government of Sir Michael Somare, through the National Executive Council to become the Commander of the PNG Defence Force, replacing Brigadier General Francis Agwi.

Given the current political situation, I have taken steps to enable smooth hand over of command immediately, in order for me to deal with more pressing issues at hand.

My immediate and most important task is to restore the integrity and respect for the Constitution and the judiciary in Papua New Guinea. When I enlisted into the PNG Defence Force, I have taken oath and promised to respect, uphold, and protect the Constitution of Papua New Guinea at all times. With my appointment as the commander, I intend to adjust that, by taking all necessary actions to ensure the Constitution remains supreme, protected, and not subjected to abuse, as it is being done at the moment.

In line with this, I am now calling on the Head of State to immediately implement the Supreme Court decisions relating to Sir Michael Somare’s position as the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, and any other orders issued in relations to the same matter.
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Secondly, I am calling on both Sir Michael Somare and Mr. Peter O’Neill to recall the Parliament to sort out the current political situation. There is no doubt in my mind and in the minds of most Papua New Guineans that so much damage had already been inflicted on the Constitution, and I cannot allow this situation to continue to prevail.

I am now calling on both parties, and the Head of State to respect the Constitution and comply with orders issued by the Supreme Courts immediately. If this call is not heeded, I may be forced to take necessary actions to protect and uphold the integrity of the Constitution.

The third issue that I will deal with is the issue of administration and settlement of entitlement for ex-servicemen. I will remove senior officers who have misled the government with poor advice, and do my best to establish better ways to deal with this matter.

In addition to all the above, I intend to focus and much attention on re-developing the PNG Defence Force. The PNG Defence Force is crippled due to lack of will and commitment by former Commanders to redevelop the force after the recent reform initiatives undertaken by the national government.

Lastly, let me make position clear for everyone’s benefit. Even though I was appointed by the Somare Government, I remain neutral but for the Constitution of Papua New Guinea.

It is my honest desire to see all above issues resolved to the satisfaction of all parties and especially to the people of PNG. This is not a military take over as I am only doing what every soldier ought to be doing.

I am a constitutional office holder whose main task is to uphold and protect the Constitution, and will therefore do everything in my power to perform my duties no matter what. Likewise, I appeal to all good citizens of this country to support this call.

Both Sir Michael and Mr. O’Neill have seven days to implement the Supreme Court’s Orders, and resolve the current political impasse, or I will be forced to take actions to uphold the integrity of the Constitution.”

Post-Courier

Not much more to report, this ended before it began it seams ; 15 out of the 30 (?) have given up

The looser is Somare , retirement with full honors is not in the cards for him IMO , even his NA party is dead

How on earth can you expect to gained anything by occupying Your own Barracks and then asking the gov’t to reinstate Somare without the use of force from the safety from your own baracks ?????? The same Somare that doesn’t hold any sympathy with the general population and has a minority of support in Parliament.

PNG gov’t now more then ever needs to bring forward looking good news to the masses ; Like a Blessing for the Gulf project and promiss of Billions.

Flyonthewall reports Benzinga is hearing negative chatter in IOC. Anyone subscribed to Benzinga?

Per Malum Nalu on PNGblogs.com the mutiny is over:
“MILITARY MUTINY OVER
Col Yaura Sasa and his mutineers have surrendered.This has been confirmed by former PNG Defence Force officer Reg Renagi. “I just spoke to my inner circle military contacts within defence headquarters now,” he said.”Things have quietened down now. “General Francis Agwi’s office keys have been returned to him.”The renegade soldiers have also returned their arms back to their superiors. “The situation within Murray Barracks is simmering down down so all’s well, ends well.”

-MALUM NALU”
http://www.pngblogs.com/2012/01/military-mutiny-over.html

Tree FYI The Daily Mail in the uk is of a similar standing to The National in PNG. The only difference is I assume The National knows it churns out rubbish wheras The Daily Mail takes itself seriously.