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In the Southern Highlands region of Papua New Guinea, a violent clash erupted on Sunday between two tribal groups and their allies in the Enga Province. Initially, the death toll was reported to be 64, but later the military and police reduced the figure to 26.
In the latest outbreak of deadly tribal violence in the Southern Highlands region of Papua New Guinea, at least 26 people have been killed. The violent clash between two tribal groups and their allies started on Sunday in the Wapenamanda district. Initially, the death toll was reported to be 64, but later the military and police reduced the figure to 26. However, it is believed that more people have been killed.
Bodies have been discovered along the roadside, in grassy fields, and on hillsides, with concerns of finding more in the bushes. Police confirmed that there was a confrontation between the Ambulom tribes and their allies and the Siki tribe and their allies.
Land and resource disputes
Papua New Guinea is home to around 800 distinct tribal groups, and there is a long history of tribal violence, ranging from land and resource disputes to historical animosities. Internal security has become a significant challenge for the government, drawing international attention.
When did the violence occur?
The conflict began around 4 am local time on Sunday in the vicinity of Wabag city, approximately 600 kilometers north-northwest of the capital, Port Moresby. After the fighting started, the police began collecting the bodies. Senior police officer George Kakas said, "This is the largest killing I have seen in Enga so far. We are all devastated; we are all mentally stressed. Understanding it is really difficult."