Prime Minister James Marape says, the Government is currently evaluating the police structure and the role of the defence force in Enga.
Marape said this in response to the recent killing of five suspected hired gunmen in Enga, whose images were widely shared on social media.
The Prime Minister described the act of violence as a case of “jungle justice” and requires a more peaceful and just resolution to the tribal flights and gun violence seen in the province.
“I want to implore the warring tribes of Enga to abandon violence and also denounce the concept of ‘jungle justice,” said Marape.
Marape said the Police Force has been issued explicit directives to decisively address the ongoing tribal disputes in Enga.
“Police Commissioner David Manning has been mandated to intervene in the persistent tribal confrontations in Enga, to quell the escalation of violence, and to apprehend those who persist in armed conflicts,” Marape continued.
On 15th August 2023, Police Chief, David Manning issued an internal circular to police to use lethal force.
The directive Manning issued read;
“I have directed RPNGC personnel to be prepared to deploy lethal force where it is required and reasonable. Commanders are instructed into respective operational orders.”
The continuous tribal flights and killings in Enga has forced airline companies to temporarily suspect flights into Wapenamanda airport.
While condemning the killings Marape said investigations have been conducted into the financiers of these tribal clashes, many of whom reside outside the province of Enga.
“To all warring factions in Enga, I appeal you to relinquish your weapons and allow the peace initiatives initiated by the Enga Provincial Government to progress,” Marape said.
The three month State of Emergency in Enga is still in place.
