YAREN, Nauru –- Nauru’s government is calling for peace after an angry mob set fire to Nauru’s main police station to protest a phosphate shipment Friday night. The government is blaming former President, Rene Harris, for inciting opposition to Nauru’s plan to resuscitate the phosphate industry.

The mining of phosphate, a mineral used in farm fertilizer, has long been a source of political unrest in Nauru. Economically, Nauru relied on the mineral as its chief export for almost a hundred years. By the 1990s, the mining industry had exhausted phosphate reserves and devastated the country’s environment. Since then, Nauru has fallen into bankruptcy and relies heavily on foreign aid. Australia’s refugee camp, built in 2001 and closed earlier this month, helped account for nearly 25 per cent of Nauru’s GDP. With the center’s closing, the government hopes the phosphate industry might be revived.

But many citizens are unwilling to embrace an industry they equate with corruption, failed investment, and bankruptcy. Friday’s arson drew concerns from Australian Federal Police officer, Robert Lehman, in charge of Nauru’s police force, who reportedly swore in 100 civilians, including high school students, to help keep the peace.

While protests continue in the wake of the unemployment crisis, police were overwhelmed with volunteers who were eager to help the government restore peace to the small island nation.

For more information, please see:

Pacific Magazine — Nauru Police Station Attacked –- 10 March 2008

The Age: Australia — Teens not deputized over weekend: Nauru –- 10 March 2008

Radio New Zealand International — Nauru Government says that former President behind unrest –- 10 March 2008