Five dead in Enga tribal fighting, Police Chief blames weak leadership

Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that five people have been killed in tribal fighting between the Poreyalin and Kalyimb tribes in Kompiam, Enga Province, describing the violence as a result of weak community leadership.

Manning said police have intervened following the clashes in recent days, but stressed that local leaders must take responsibility for preventing such bloodshed.

“Time and time again weak community leadership results in death. These leaders must take a look at themselves and think about the devastation that they allow to take place,” Manning said. “This becomes a police issue when community grievances are not addressed by community leadership, leading to fighting and death.”

He said the actions of the tribesmen were disgraceful and were keeping their communities disadvantaged.

“How can they expect to have a better life for their children if they continue to have these fights? Tribal violence has no place in a modern Papua New Guinea.”

Manning warned that while police will make arrests and work to prevent further violence, the long-term solution lies with local leadership.

“We cannot arrest our way out of this situation. I call on the leaders of Enga, from elected leaders to village leaders, to wake up and intervene to save your people,” he said.

Police operations on the ground are being coordinated by the acting Provincial Police Commander and the Deputy Commissioner of Police [Regional Operations].