Instead of restoring authority to the Papua New Guinea leadership, the sacking of military chief Jerry Singirok turned out to have triggered a domino effect in the Government; but it may yet have a positive outcome.
Following the resignation of Prime Minister Sir Julius Chan, his deputy and the defence minister, elections may establish a more popular government which can find its way out of the crisis that has dogged the country for nine years.
A new initiative is desperately needed. The insurrection on the island of Bougainville cannot be solved by military means, even if the army had accepted the help of the mercenaries whose presence brought about the present troubles. The deep divisions in the country have to be addressed before there can be any hope of stability.
In resigning, Sir Julius has acknowledged those needs. His decision should prevent riots from escalating. Even though his departure was pre-empted by army action, the country's democratic system has survived. That is a positive signal for the future. Now, a start must be made in tackling problems caused by tribal and political warfare, widespread corruption and poverty.
Years of conflict on Bougainville have achieved nothing except damage to the economy, suffering and disease for the population - and the deaths of some 10,000 soldiers and civilians - all in a land so wealthy in resources that it should be among the richest in the region.
The Government made a costly mistake at the start, when it sent in troops after islanders rebelled over environmental damage caused by copper mining. Escalating the fighting with mercenaries would only have made matters worse.
