To achieve its task, Sandline was reported to have ordered an arsenal of weapons, including helicopters armed with rockets and machineguns.

ECONOMIST: Papua New Guinea

The crisis was sparked when Brigadier-General Jerry Singirok, the army chief, denounced the Sandline deal and called on Sir Julius to resign.

ECONOMIST: Papua New Guinea

Apparently shaken by disturbances on the streets of Port Moresby, Sir Julius appointed a second replacement commander and announced a judicial inquiry into the Sandline deal.

ECONOMIST: Papua New Guinea