“Papua New Guinea violence, men.”
Addressing Tribal Violence in Papua New Guinea
Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea spoke at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2022. The Enga region has witnessed escalating tribal violence following the 2022 elections that reaffirmed Marape’s leadership.
Julia Nikhinson/AP
In recent events in Papua New Guinea, at least 26 fighters and an undisclosed number of bystanders lost their lives in a violent clash between rival tribes. The conflict occurred in the remote highlands of Enga province, where a tribe, its allies, and hired fighters were ambushed on their way to attack a neighboring group.
Police Commissioner David Manning described the incident as a “gunbattle between warring tribes,” with additional casualties among the local villagers. Law enforcement reinforcements were dispatched to the area to restore order and manage the aftermath.
Manning emphasized the need to establish control in the conflict zone and follow proper procedures to address such incidents effectively. Initially reported figures indicated 53 fatalities, which were later revised down to 26 by security forces.
Papua New Guinea, a nation of 10 million people with diverse cultures and languages, faces internal security challenges. The country’s strategic importance has attracted security interests from global powers like China, the United States, and Australia.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed readiness to support Papua New Guinea in the wake of the violent events. Australia, as Papua New Guinea’s closest neighbor and a major aid provider, stands prepared to assist in any way necessary.
Tribal conflicts in the Enga region have heightened since the recent elections, sparking concerns about electoral integrity and triggering violence. Local authorities had forewarnings of the impending clashes, emphasizing the need for proactive security measures.
Enga Governor Peter Ipatas lamented the escalation of violence, labeling it a tragic development for the province and the nation as a whole. The region has witnessed numerous fatalities due to tribal disputes over the past year.
The use of high-powered firearms in recent conflicts has posed challenges for law enforcement, necessitating military support to protect civilians and public infrastructure. Legal experts anticipate further retaliatory violence, highlighting the recurring cycle of revenge killings in such situations.
Despite the limited resources available to address tribal violence, the government is committed to deploying law enforcement personnel to mitigate security risks and maintain order in affected regions.
Tribal violence remains a prevalent issue in Papua New Guinea, underscoring the ongoing efforts to manage security concerns with the available resources.
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