15 Nov 2005

Fijian mercenaries in Papua New Guinea set off regional crisis

8:09 am on 15 November 2005

Eight Fijian mercenaries allegedly training militia on how to use high-powered weapons on Papua New Guinea's autonomous island of Bougainville have sparked an international embarrassment for Fiji and pleas for them to return home.

The Fiji Times reports that Fiji's high commissioner in Port Moresby, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, says the mercenaries have been identified and their names sent to Suva.

Ratu Inoke says he has assured the Bougainville president, Joseph Kabui, that the eight are no longer members of the Fiji military and that the Fiji government does not support their activities.

Followers of the late separatist leader, Francis Ona, occupy the No-Go zone around Tonu in the Siwai district where the Fijians are allegedly training youth on how to use high-powered weapons.

A supporter of Mr Ona, Noah Musingku, who ran a failed pyramid scheme that scammed many islanders, reportedly hired the Fijians during a visit to Fiji.

Ratu Inoke says Fiji is upset and embarrassed by their alleged activities and is pleading with them to return home to Fiji.

Both President Kabui and PNG's inter-government relations minister, Sir Peter Barter, have expressed concern about the activities of Mr Musingku and others involved in the U-Vistract fast money scheme which has drawn millions of dollars from villagers hoping to get big returns.