Dei tribes sign peace deal after weeks of fighting

The Kombolga and Minimbi tribes in Dei District have agreed to end weeks of tribal fighting and restore peace in their communities following tensions over the death of a young man from the Minimbi tribe.

The conflict started after the young man was allegedly killed by members of the Kombolga tribe in Mt Hagen city, triggering anger and retaliation between the two neighbouring tribes.

The two tribes share close ties through intermarriage and also use the same road routes into Mt Hagen city. However, the death of the young man did not sit well with the Minimbi tribe, leading to the conflict that lasted for almost two months.

Despite the tensions, no further lives were lost and no houses, gardens or livestock were destroyed, although movement of people was restricted during the fighting.

Fearing the conflict could escalate into a major tribal war, Dei MP Desmond Paul Kipa and Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa stepped in and travelled into the conflict areas to call for peace.

Last week, leaders and representatives from both tribes gathered at Mara Haus in Mt Hagen and officially signed a ceasefire agreement witnessed by Dei MP Desmond Paul Kipa, Governor Wai Rapa and Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom.

During the gathering, councillors and community leaders from both tribes openly apologised to each other and agreed there would be no more fighting in that part of Dei District.

Cr. Henry Muna from the Kombolga Malda Tribe said his people were deeply sorry for what had happened and wanted peace restored between the neighbouring tribes.

“We are truly sorry for what happened and we want peace to return to our communities again. The suspects already arrested and now in police cells must face the full force of the law,” Muna said.

Jacob Ruimb, a relative of the deceased young man, said the Minimbi tribe had initially refused compensation and peace talks because of the pain and anger caused by the death.

However, he said the intervention by the local MP and Governor helped the grieving tribe find peace and agree to move forward.

“At first we did not want compensation or peace talks because we were deeply hurt. But because of the intervention by our MP and Governor, we have found peace in our hearts and agreed to sign this ceasefire agreement and make peace with our neighbours,” Ruimb said.

PPC Sagom thanked both tribes for showing leadership and choosing peace over violence.

“I thank both tribes for taking this bold step towards peace. This agreement will help stop further violence and allow normal life to return to the communities,” Sagom said.

Sagom also commended Dei MP Desmond Paul Kipa and Governor Wai Rapa for stepping in early and preventing the situation from turning into a deadly tribal conflict.

As part of the Melanesian way of restoring peace, the Kombolga tribe has agreed to make a compensation payment to the Minimbi tribe to show sorrow over the death of the young man.

The compensation ceremony is expected to take place on Saturday, 30th May 2026.