Replace PNGDF commander

AFTER six years in command, Gilbert Toropo has failed to progress the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
I have read the PNG Defence White Paper in 2013 and Toropo has failed to achieve almost 90 per cent of it.
The PAC 750 aircraft bought by the former commander Brigadier Francis Agwi in 2013, arrived in 2018 and is sitting idle with New Zealand registration.
Toropo has failed to get the ships, aircraft and army equipment that was directed by the White Paper in 2013.
Under his command, the PNGDF has only relied on donations of ships, vehicles and equipment from our partners such as Australia, New Zealand, America and China.
After six years, it is clear that Toropo is not a strategic thinker, does not know how to develop a modern army, and the PNGDF is suffering as a result.
Right now, troops do not have proper supply of uniforms, boots, field equipment, helmet and body armour and the Air wing has not flown for three years.
To make matters worse, our troops that will be flown to assist our brothers and sisters in Australia with the bushfires, do not have the right equipment.
They would be flown down by Australian Defence aircraft and would be housed and supplied by the Australian Army.
Australia will be helping the PNGDF to help Australia!
Toropo has failed the nation because our troops should be properly equipped and flown down to assist Australia in our own PNGDF aircraft.
In support of Prime Minister James Marape’s call to ‘Take back PNG’, Toropo should be replaced for he has become a liability.
With outstanding allowances dating back to 2017 and huge equipment deficiencies, so many troops that I’ve spoken to are fed up of Toropo.
He should be replaced immediately.

Paul Mitimbanet,
East Sepik