The Prime Minister, James Marape has appealed to the warring factions of Enga Province to cease all hostilities and lay down arms between the ongoing tribal conflict and loss of innocents.
PMJM condemned the recent killing of five suspected hired gunmen, whose graphic images were widely circulated on social media platforms.
He stated that this act of violence and Jungle Justice underscored the necessity for a more peaceful and just resolution to the conflicts that plague the region.
“I want to implore the warring tribes of Enga to abandon violence and also denounce the concept of ‘jungle justice’.”
“In my condemnation of ‘jungle justice,’ I also caution those engaged as hired gunmen that the people of Enga are fed up with their interference in tribal conflicts, as was tragically demonstrated over the weekend.”
Prime Minister Marape further asserted that the Police force has been issued explicit directives to decisively address the ongoing tribal disputes in Enga.
He said that Police Commissioner David Manning has been mandated to intervene in the persistent tribal confrontations in Enga, to quell the escalation of violence, and to apprehend those who persist in armed conflicts.
Meanwhile, investigations have been conducted into the financiers of these tribal clashes, many of whom reside outside the province of Enga.
“To all warring factions in Enga, I appeal you to relinquish your weapons and allow the peace initiatives initiated by the Enga Provincial Government to progress.”
“Should the law eventually catch up with individuals, such as those involved in recent incidents, incarceration will be the inevitable consequence.
He added that in the nearby province of Hela, more than 50 tribal fighters have already been apprehended and are presently in custody, undergoing due legal procedures for suitable sanctions.