Rainbo Paita has rejoined James Marape's government. Photo: Facebook / NBC News PNG
The man who led two attempts to unseat the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape last year is now back in his Cabinet.
Rainbo Paita had moved from the government to the opposition amid efforts to topple the Marape administration and becoming the new prime minister.
However, Marape successfully outmanoeuvred these threats and Paita quietly rejoined the government ranks late last year.
Now he is back in the Cabinet in the role of minister assisting the prime minister.
Papua New Guinea parliament in session on 15 February 2024. Photo: Loop PNG / Screencapture
RNZ Pacific's PNG correspondent Scott Waide said it is a big year for the country as it prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of independence.
He said the government is also grappling with major lawlessness issues and economic worries and does not want other distractions.
"It represents a shoring up of numbers within the Marape ranks," Waide said.
"It puts to rest this question about any future vote of no confidence in the next parliament sitting because the risk is always there in PNG politics."
He said the government does not want to deal with the votes of no confidence or any risk of it.
"So, the person who was up against him as alternative prime minister is now very close to him as minister assisting the prime minister," he said.
The latest Marape move gives a Cabinet of 39, including the vice-ministers.
Waide said the move leaves the opposition much weaker, with its struggle to attract a potential leader with enough charisma to become prime minister.
