Concerns about rising violence and strained government responses have been raised in response to two distinct incidents that have resulted in multiple deaths during a recent wave of tribal clashes in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Bloody Clash in Wabag: 64 Found Dead in Ambush
In the town of Wabag, in Papua New Guinea's highlands, a brutal clash involving the Sikin, Ambulin, and Kaekin tribes has resulted in 64 fatalities. Assistant Commissioner of Police Samson Kua reported the discovery of bloodied bodies after what appeared to be an ambush on Sunday. Graphic videos and photos reveal the grim aftermath, with stripped and bloodied bodies lying along the road and piled on a truck.
The clash, fueled by longstanding tribal conflicts, witnessed the use of a variety of weapons, including SLR, AK-47, M4, AR15, and M16 rifles, pump-action shotguns, and homemade firearms. Despite government efforts to curb tribal violence, including military deployment and calls for police reinforcement, the challenges persist as the highlands face the consequences of another mass killing.
Enga Province Tragedy: At Least 49 Dead as Ambulin and Sikis Tribes Collide
In a separate incident in Enga Province, at least 49 individuals, including combatants and bystanders, lost their lives in a tribal dispute involving the Ambulin and Sikis tribes. Located 346 miles northwest of Port Moresby, in the town of Wapenamanda, the conflict broke out. Following the violent altercation, graphic photos of bodies being loaded onto trucks went viral on social media.
The riots and protests over a pay dispute that preceded this incident have resulted in a state of emergency in Port Moresby, the nation's capital. With ten million inhabitants and 800 different languages spoken there, Papua New Guinea faces geopolitical interests from the United States, Australia, and China that exacerbate internal security issues.
Following the recovery of additional bodies, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary updated its initial death toll from 64 to 26 and then back to 49. Law enforcement's entry into the province was difficult because of the high-powered guns used in the conflict.
Tribal violence in Enga has intensified since Prime Minister James Marape's re-election in 2022, amid allegations of cheating that triggered nationwide violence. Limited police resources further constrain the government's response, with a ratio of one officer for every 1,845 people, below the U.N.'s recommended ratio.
As Papua New Guinea grapples with the aftermath of these tragic events, questions persist about the effectiveness of existing strategies to address the deep-rooted issue of tribal violence in the region.
(inputs from various agencies)
Media Sources: multiple agencies (Postcourier, X , AP , The Guardian )
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