Secret plot to overthrow PNG’s Sogavare alleged

Port Moresby Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed receiving reports of Papua New Guineans allegedly training with Solomon Islanders to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in the New Year.

Reports reaching Mr Manning claim that Bougainvilleans with connections to Solomon Islanders have joined forces with an illegal group in Malaita to train them and supply arms.

They were also accused of leading this alleged covert operation designed to cause division in Solomon Islands.

Foreign Affairs Minister Soroi Eoe, however, has told the Post-Courier there was no official information or reports of this alleged covert operation.

Mr Manning said Police teams on the ground in Honiara were investigating reports of arms build-up allegedly involving these Bougainvilleans taking weapons through the PNG-Solomon Islands border.

Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has denied outright the involvement of Bougainvilleans in the alleged operation.

“It has come to my attention that there are allegations of Bougainville providing para-military support to factions involved in the conflict in the Solomon Islands,” Mr Toroama said.

“As president of Bougainville, I must go on record to state that these allegations are false and that Bougainville maintains its neutrality in the conflict.

“Bougainville cannot and will not provide support to any faction or militia in the Solomon Islands.”

Mr Manning has said he would request for a ban on the traditional border crossing between Bougainville and Solomon Islands as the first step to addressing the issue.