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11 November 2022

Ex-commander urges gun ban to curb violence in PNG

Friday 5 August 2022 | Written by RNZ | Published in Papua New Guinea, Regional

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Ex-commander urges gun ban to curb violence in PNG
Photo: RNZ

The former Papua New Guinea military commander who drew up a plan 17 years ago to try and end gun violence says the first thing he would do is ban the public from owning guns.

Major General Jerry Singirok compiled a gun control report in 2005.

It included 244 recommendations for governments to follow to end the years of gun violence in PNG, but the use of guns has become more prevalent.

Major General Singirok says there should be a ban on the public having weapons with only security services permitted to carry them.

"There is no need for Papua New Guinean citizens to own a gun. It's as simple as that, and we should draw legislation and policies around that statement so that we support the view that no unauthorised person should have access to a gun, whether it's homemade or factory-made."

The national election that is now into its final stages has been described as the most violent in PNG's history.

Marape confident of forming government

The party of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, is reported to have attacted 67 MPs to its camp at Loloata in Port Moresby.

The camp is isolating MPs while they negotiate a possible coalition agreement.

NBC reports the support for Pangu Pati could grow further, bolstering chances of it continuing in power.

Marape has announced that those in the camp include independents and MPs from the National Alliance and United Resources Party, which were part of the outgoing coalition.

The caretaker prime minister said Pangu Pati itself is expected to increase its numbers from its current 30 MPs.

In a statement he has claimed Pangu Pati has been given an overwhelming mandate to form government.

There are 118 MPs in Parliament with 60 seats required for a majority.