The Federal Government has updated its advice for travel to Papua New Guinea and Ecuador after major civil unrest broke out in both nations.
Sparked by a payroll dispute among public servants, unrest in Papua New Guinea capital Port Moresby has led to rioting, looting and businesses being set alight. Fifteen people have been killed in the riots.
According to the ABC, the country has sought military help to restore order, while St John Ambulance said it had dealt with a “significant emergency situation” involving shootings and fires in the city.
“I want to appeal to citizens to protect our city,” Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said.
“The police and public servant grievances are being addressed and by next pay the lost salary would be restored.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) says the Australian High Commission has implemented “heightened security measures” in the capital.
“There’s widespread civil disorder, violence and looting in Port Moresby,” it states on the Smartraveller platform.
“Protests and civil disorder can escalate quickly. Monitor the local media, avoid areas where violence is occurring and be alert to personal safety risks.”
DFAT recommends visitors “always pay close attention to your personal security and your surroundings”.
Despite the unrest, the Government has not upped its official travel advice level for Australians in PNG, warning Aussies to “Exercise a high degree of caution in Papua New Guinea due to high levels of serious crime”.
According to AAP, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for calm, saying no Australians had been caught up in the conflict.
“It’s not perfect advice and not every Australian is on a register in PNG … but at this stage, we have not been made aware of … any Australians being caught up in the conflict,” he told reporters in Victoria.
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority says travellers to the country should generally feel safe – under normal circumstances.
“The PNG Tourism industry has taken a highly coordinated approach to safety and security, working with various law enforcement agencies to ensure your safety and security at all times,” it states on its website.
“You’ll find most places are safe, secure and full of happy Papua New Guineans. But it does pay for all our visitors to be prepared and take precautions. We advise you to use common sense at all times.”
Ecuador emergency
On the other side of the Pacific, Ecuador has declared a 60-day nationwide state of emergency and curfew after a series of violent events rocked the South American nation over the last 48 hours.
According to The Independent, the violence follows the apparent escape of a powerful gang leader from prison, while there have been reports of explosions and the abduction of police officers in capital Quito, among other cities. Gunmen also invaded a TV station in the city of Guayaquil.
DFAT says those in Ecuador “must remain indoors between 11pm and 5am”.
“You should carry your ID at all times and follow the instructions of local authorities,” it states on Smartraveller.
“Travel to and from airports during the curfew period is permitted for passengers travelling on scheduled flights.”
DFAT recommends Australians “Exercise a high degree of caution in Ecuador overall due to the threat of violent crime”.
Ecuador is a popular tourism destination, boasting Amazonian rainforest, Andes mountains, beautiful beaches and the Galapagos Islands.
Tour operator’s response
Chad Carey, Managing Director of South American travel specialist Chimu Adventures, told Karryon the company was “monitoring the situation”.
“At this point major tourist areas are not affected. We are, however, looking at rerouting options for any concerned travellers,” he said.
“While the situation is currently unsettled, our partners on the ground consider this a positive development, being that these incidents have given the government, now supported by international authorities, the opportunity sort out longer term issues reducing the risk of a recurrence.”
