PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – On Monday, reports emerged of a brutal massacre that left at least 26 men dead in a remote highlands area of Papua New Guinea. The violence erupted as a tribe, their allies, and mercenaries were en route to attack a neighboring tribe, only to be ambushed in the Enga province.
According to Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Acting Superintendent George Kakas, the initial death toll was reported at 53, but security forces later revised it down to 26. Bodies were discovered on the battlefield, roads, and riverside, highlighting the severe nature of the attack.
Papua New Guinea, a diverse nation with a population of 10 million and over 800 languages, has been struggling with internal security challenges. The incident is a grim reminder of the escalating tribal violence in the region, particularly following the 2022 elections that maintained Prime Minister James Marape’s administration.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his country’s readiness to assist Papua New Guinea, highlighting the close relationship between the two nations. Australia has been providing considerable support to Papua New Guinea, including assistance in training the country’s police officers.
The violence in the Enga region has intensified in the past year, fueled by historical tribal conflicts and disputes arising from elections. These conflicts are a grim reality in the region, making it a challenging task for the government to maintain law and order.
Government lawyer Oliver Nobetau, who is on temporary assignment to a Sydney-based international policy think tank, emphasized the gravity of the situation, expressing concern about potential retaliatory killings in the aftermath of the massacre. He stressed the limited resources available for dealing with violence of this magnitude.
The situation in Papua New Guinea underscores the complex issues facing the government, as it grapples with tribal violence and the limitations of internal security resources. The need for international support and cooperation to address these challenges is critical for the safety and stability of the region.