Tonga: Riots Destroy Business District

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | November 20th, 2006 | Trackback

Riots that followed a rally protesting the slow pace of political reform devastated the capital city of Nuku’alofa Nov. 16, destroying some 80 percent of the city’s business district and killing at least eight. New Zealand and Australian troops arrived at the government’s request and secured the airport, so flights are operating normally and the city is calm. Rumors circulated of further unrest to come, but none has occurred. Further rumors claimed that the riots were not political in nature but business related, with one faction trying to eliminate its competition. None of these rumors could be substantiated. An advisor to the prime minister said the damage was so extensive it would take five years to rebuild the city center.

Home » Political uprisings, Oceania, Demonstrations/Protests, Tonga

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