Easter peace mission brings hope to Kagua fight zone

A warlord lifting his bush knife to signify agreement for a possible ceasefire *(Image: NBC Owned)*

A powerful Easter peace mission is bringing hope to families trapped in months of deadly tribal fighting in Kagua Central, Southern Highlands Province.

Top educated elites from Kagua Erave entered the conflict zone on earlier this week with food supplies and a strong message of peace for the warring Mirupa and Wambea tribes.

The Easter season turned into a moment of compassion and reconciliation as leaders from Kagua Erave travelled into the troubled area to support vulnerable families affected by the ongoing conflict.

The peace delegation was led by Mineral Resources Development Corporation (MRDC) Managing Director Augustine Mano, Interim CEO of the newly created National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA) David Wereh, businessman Dickson Tasi, and members of the Southern Highlands Peace and Mediation Committee headed by Philip Moiya.

The team delivered store goods in bales and cartons to both the Mirupa and Wambea tribes, many of whom have been displaced, hungry, and traumatized by months of fighting.

Speaking during the visits, David Wereh said peace is the only way forward if Kagua Erave wants to prepare for development.

Peace delegation led by MRDC Managing Director handing over the food supplies and possible ceasefire agreement draft to leaders of the Mirupa tribe *(Image: NBC Owned)*

“Peace is the only way good things can come to Kagua. With the Gulf–Southern Highlands Trans-National Highway coming through our district, we must work together and prepare for development," said Wereh.

Wereh urged both tribes to cooperate, agree on a ceasefire, and begin negotiations for lasting peace.

MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano also called on both sides to forgive each other and allow peace to return.

Reflecting on the meaning of Easter, Mano reminded both tribes about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the power of forgiveness.

He said true leadership is most important in times of crisis and leaders on both sides must now rise above anger and lead their people towards peace.

Businessman Dickson Tasi echoed the same message, saying the future now depends on the decisions leaders make.

“This is the very moment leadership must come into play. The future of our people depends on the decisions we make today," Tasi said.

In a major breakthrough, warlords and tribal leaders from both the Mirupa and Wambea tribes welcomed the delegation’s peace proposal.

Both sides agreed in principle to a ceasefire and to lay down their arms, while reviewing draft ceasefire points before a formal signing takes place.

Community leader Topa Mata, who has been on the frontline since the conflict started, thanked the Kagua Erave elites for showing concern and standing with the people.

The conflict began earlier this year after the death of a Mirupa headmaster, who was allegedly killed by members of the Wambea tribe late last year.

Since then, the fighting has turned into guerrilla-style warfare, claiming more than 13 lives and destroying property worth hundreds of thousands of kina.

Women, children and families have been left shattered and starving as the violence made it impossible for people to move freely in search of food and basic supplies.