| Map here in case you, like me, were wondering "just where the hell is Tonga?" |
Hundreds of pro-democracy campaigners rampaged through Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa, on Thursday, burning buildings and looting shops. Eight bodies were found in the ruins of two burnt-out buildings. Tonga declared a state of emergency last night, authorising police and troops to "use such force as may be reasonably necessary to preserve public order". The military will be able to impose curfews and ban meetings of more than five people. An initial report from Australia's high commission in Tonga said 80 per cent of the central business district of Nuku'alofa had been destroyed.
Mr Downer said New Zealand troops were also being mobilised last night. "New Zealand, of course, has very strong ties with Tonga, and New Zealand would take the lead, rather than Australia, in terms of any response. But we are certainly prepared to provide resources," he said.