18 Jun 2024

'PNG authorities supply guns to fuel tribal feuds'

From , 6:01 am on 18 June 2024
This handout picture released by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary on February 19, 2024 shows officials patrolling near the town of Wabag, 600 kilometres northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Sixty-four bloodied bodies have been found in Papua New Guinea's highlands, police said on February 19, as officers reported ongoing gun battles between rival tribes. (Photo by Handout / ROYAL PAPAU NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / ROYAL PAPAU NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

This handout picture released by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary on February 19, 2024 shows officials patrolling near the town of Wabag, 600 kilometres northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Photo: AFP PHOTO / ROYAL PAPAU NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

The Enga province provincial administrator in Papua New Guinea says people in authority like National politicians and even church pastors are supplying guns and ammunition to carry out violence. 

Sandis Tsaka's brother was killed in tribal conflict about a fortnight ago, he asked his clan not to retaliate.   

He told RNZ Pacific's Caleb Fotheringham there's been ongoing tribal feuds in the Kompiam-Ambun electorate in Enga since the 2022 elections.