Tribal clashes in Papua New Guinea have killed more than a dozen. According to multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, dozens of tribal people were shot dead in an ambush in the remote Highlands region of Enga province in February, 2024 in the country. But this is not the only event. Tribal clashes — often involving several tribes — frequently take place in several provinces of the country. For instance, around 150 people were killed in a deadly tribal clash in 2023. In addition to the deaths, tribal clashes lead to the displacement of communities, hinder economic development and disrupt social cohesion within affected regions. Approximately 30,000 people were displaced by tribal violence around the Highlands region in 2021.
It is notable that resource-based, historical and other causes lead to tribal clashes in Papua New Guinea. The competition for resources such as land and water, deep-rooted historical grievances and ethnic rivalries between different tribes often lead to tribal clashes in the country. Tribal conflicts occurred last July over the distribution of land and wealth in Enga province. But political instability, the lack of effective governance structures and an influx of illegal firearms often make tribal clashes more deadly. A weakening of the rule of law and a less effective judicial system play facilitative roles in tribal conflicts in the country. Among others, cultural misunderstandings and miscommunication between tribes and the presence of armed groups exacerbate tensions and facilitate tribal clashes.
Papua New Guinea — home to hundreds of different tribal groups — has taken peace based and other initiatives that can help address tribal clashes. Community based and other peace initiatives including the training and deployment of mediators to facilitate dialogue between warring tribes aiming to address underlying issues including land disputes and resource competition that often fuel inter-tribal conflicts and increased presence of security forces in the affected areas are notable steps. But the country has put notable emphasis on the increased presence of security forces in the tribal regions to reduce tribal conflicts. Among others, Papua New Guinea has taken development projects to address the underlying causes of conflict and economic concerns.
Despite some improvements over the years, there are many limitations in the steps taken, leading to the continuation of conflicts, which have significantly increased after the election in 2022. One of the important limitations is the focus on short-term peacekeeping measures rather than long-term sustainable development that exacerbates tensions and perpetuates cycles of violence among tribes. The government’s over-reliance on security forces put hindrances to long-term efforts. Additionally, ineffective consultation with tribal leaders and communities hinders the solutions and addressing the underlying issues of conflicts. Among others, there is a lack of efforts to address a weakening of the rule of law and a less effective judicial system.
It is desired that steps be taken to address concerns and mitigate tribal clashes. The consistent disbursement of public services to the people in the tribal areas and the improvement of the rule of law, which are absent because of several causes including the lack of connectivity and infrastructure problems, especially in remote areas, are crucial to bring peace. The strengthened police presence in the tribal areas is vital. An influx of illegal firearms needs to be addressed. But addressing economic, land-related and other grievances is also imperative. Fostering economic opportunities in marginalized communities and providing access to land, crops and livestock, often rendered as the means of the survival of the smaller tribes, are also crucial.
Effectively engaging traditional leaders and local stakeholders of different tribes including the Ambulin and Sikin tribes in the peacebuilding process can help build trust and facilitate sustainable solutions to long-standing tribal conflicts in Papua New Guinea — home to millions of people separated by tough terrain. Promoting joint development projects is imperative to reduce the chance of tribal conflicts in Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands provinces of the country. Promoting inter-tribal cooperation through cultural exchanges may also be helpful.
