The final death toll in the latest outbreak of violence in the region is still unknown. Bodies are removed by the lorryload. The worst incident in recent years raises concerns with the escalation linked to inter-tribal conflict over land and resources, but also a great inflow of firearms.
Today's news: Indian-made drones also in the Israeli offensive on Gaza; China will have a surplus of nearly 2 million teachers in 2035 due to population decline; Motion of no confidence in PM Marape in Papua New Guinea; Online summit between the US and Central Asian countries on the race for raw materials.
Today's news: Fugitives and defectors to Bangladesh increase among Myanmar border guards who report losing contact with commanders; Escalation between the Philippines and China continues in the South China Sea near Scarborough Shoal; Qatar wins the Asian football cup for the second time in a row; In Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliev is re-elected president for the fifth time with a 'Bulgarian majority'.
The death toll from the 10 January unrest has risen to 22 people. The country faces socio-economic collapse. For Fr Giorgio Licini, Secretary General of the Bishops' Conference of Papua New Guinea, “The common citizens, the Churches, the State, and the government are equally responsible.”
The Pacific archipelago is one of only 12 countries in the world to diplomatically recognise Taiwan and is now caught in the middle of the growing rivalry between the US and China.
With tensions running high in the country, the PNG government leaked some details about a possible visit, but the latter has not yet been confirmed. On several occasions, Francis said that he wants to visit, and a trip in 2020 was cancelled. Presently, plans are being worked out, with stops in Indonesia, Timor Leste, and perhaps even Singapore. But the visit’s feasibility will be determined later. For Card Ribat, looting is unacceptable but the “leaders in our government must own up to their people”.
