Ceasefire brings hope as Wapenamanda tribes move toward peace
Peace and normalcy are expected to return to Wapenamanda after two warring tribes agreed to a four-day ceasefire, following mediation talks in Mt. Hagen on Friday.
The peace negotiations between the Yakuman and Yangukim tribes concluded in Mt. Hagen, and a final Peace Agreement is scheduled to be signed in Port Moresby on Wednesday.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police [ACP] Western End, Joseph Tondop, confirmed the breakthrough, noting the conflict, which began in August, has claimed more than 30 lives and destroyed numerous properties.
“This is a National Court sanctioned mediation process that started before the country’s 50th Anniversary in September. Resident Judge Graham Ellis issued orders under the National and Supreme Court powers and appointed the Enga Administrator and myself as the lead facilitators,” ACP Tondop said.
He explained that the first round of talks was held two weeks ago, and Friday’s second meeting resulted in the immediate start of a four day ceasefire, which will remain in place until the Peace Agreement is signed on Wednesday.
The prolonged tribal fighting, which led to loss of lives, widespread destruction, and the closure of the highway linked to the Porgera Gold Mine, prompted the Mt. Hagen-based judge to intervene and order mediation.
The conflict reportedly stemmed from political tensions between the sitting MP and his political rival, Danny Kati, of the Yangukim tribe.
What could have been resolved months earlier was delayed due to disagreements and logistical challenges, ACP Tondop explained. He said the increased presence of security forces in Wapenamanda remains crucial.
Meanwhile, security personnel continue to maintain operations at Mambisanda Rural Hospital, run by the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
A police media visit to the conflict zone yesterday, escorted by Special Police Operations officers, revealed extensive damage to the hospital and surrounding villages.
An estate owned by local MP and Transport Minister Miki Kaeok, located along the main highway, was also completely destroyed.
Mambisanda Rural Hospital, an essential health facility serving Enga and other Highland's provinces, has shut down after several staff houses were burned last week, forcing staff and their families to flee for safety.
Security forces reported that fighting has ceased following Friday’s ceasefire, although tensions remain high.
Inspector Toring Yupanga, Acting Group Commander of the Mobile Units stationed in Wapenamanda, confirmed that while the fighting has stopped, the situation still remains tense between the two warring tribes.