Ethnic violence in Papua New Guinea

Ethnic violence in Papua New Guinea often revolves around inter-tribal warfare.

Background

Clans and tribes in New Guinea have fought each other for centuries over various disputes such as land. In more recent times, elections have been a trigger for violence with tribes aligned down local candidate and party lines.[1] Traditionally the man who initially has the grievance is considered 'the owner of the fight' (or an elder male on behalf of a woman with the grievance) and is responsible for commencing and ending the fight while his clan is expected to support him. Traditional elders and leaders used to have a more stabilizing effect but their influence has been diminished in recent times as traditional tribal structures have been changing. For example, recently, fights have been started by youths against the advice of older clansmen and the owner of the fight, whose preference has been for mediation. Customary rules of war exist and the most consistent rule has been the concept of neutrality where participants should not attack neutral buildings or people. While there are only limited means of enforcing such rules which are usually passed from father to son or during clan meetings, older community members feel younger generations do not respect these customs. While the bow and arrows has been the staple weapon for centuries, the recent introduction of automatic firearms have led to more tragic outcomes.[2]

Distribution

Islands region
See also: Kiriwina Island clashes

In the Trobriand Islands, intertribal warfare was banned during Australian colonial rule and disputes were settled with games of cricket and this often continued after independence.[3] In Kiriwina Island, in 2022, more than 30 people were killed in clashes between the Kulumata and Kuboma.[4]

Highlands region

In 2021, approximately 30,000 people were displaced by tribal violence around the Highlands region.[2] In the 2022 national election about 89,000 people were displaced nationwide, with most being from the Highlands region.[1]

Urban areas

In urban areas such as the capital Port Moresby ethnic conflict has included violence between gangs known as Raskols that are associated with different tribes. In Port Moresby the “Kips Kaboni” gang of the local Motu people were involved in attacking residents and gangs of the migrant Tari highlanders.[5]

See also

References
  1. Whiting, Natalie (2 May 2023). "Tribal fighting over PNG election leaves dozens dead and villages deserted". Australian Broadcasting Cooperation.
  2. "Tribal violence in Papua New Guinea". Red Cross. 15 March 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2023.
  3. Francis, Chantelle (25 October 2022). "Massacre on Papua New Guinea's 'island of love' after tribal warfare". news.com.au.
  4. Kuku, Rebecca (25 October 2022). "More than 30 dead in tribal fighting on Papua New Guinea's 'island of love'". The Guardian.
  5. Bayley, Bruno (24 August 2012). "Street Gangs in Papua New Guinea Look Terrifying". Vice.
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