Western Highlands leading new approach to ending tribal fights

Western Highlands Province is taking the lead in resolving long-standing tribal conflicts and changing the way tribal disputes are settled, ending violence quickly through dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation instead of years of payback.

The latest example comes from Dei District, where a tribal conflict between the Kombolga and Minimbi tribes was brought to an end within weeks through a coordinated peace process led by community leaders, Governor Wai Rapa, Dei MP Desmond Paul Kipa, and police.

The reconciliation is being praised as another success story in a province that has strongly prioritised early intervention to prevent tribal fights from escalating into prolonged violence.

The peace process began with a ceasefire agreement signed at Mara Haus in Mt Hagen in May this year, bringing both tribes to the negotiating table before more lives and property were lost.

At a reconciliation ceremony at Rapi Village recently attended by hundreds of people, the Kombolga Tribe presented K150,000 in cash, 150 pigs, and five cows to the family and tribe of a young Minimbi man who was allegedly killed by a Kombolga man — an incident that triggered the tribal conflict between the two tribes earlier this year.

The compensation was accepted by the Minimbi Tribe, with leaders from both sides publicly apologising and committing themselves to maintaining peace.

Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa and Dei MP Desmond Paul Kipa, who initiated peace discussions soon after the conflict began, commended both tribes for choosing reconciliation over retaliation.

Governor Rapa said the successful settlement reflects a growing desire among communities to move away from violence and focus on development, education, and economic opportunities.

“I cannot come down and solve this problem. Because there’s a lack of leadership from community leaders, educated elites, businessmen, and councillors, youths are going out of hand and are taking arms and action to hurt and destroy themselves,” Governor Rapa said.

“I appeal to you, the leaders, to look into that kind of misbehaviour and misconduct, especially amongst males in the communities, and whenever a fight wants to break out, you leaders must step in quickly and calm the situation before it gets out of hand.”

Dei MP Desmond Paul Kipa said Dei District has for years been associated with tribal fighting, discouraging investment and development, but believes successful reconciliations such as this can help change that perception.

“People of PNG and Western Highlands often consider Dei District as a tribal fighting district and I am not happy with this kind of name tag placed on us,” Mr Kipa stressed.

“For Dei District, remove this name tag and prove to others that we are not what you think we are. Peace is the only way that will change everything, and thus I am appealing to my people to change their attitude and live a better and peaceful life.”

Despite the loss of life, leaders from both sides worked together to prevent the violence from spreading, while police were praised for their swift response in maintaining law and order.

The two leaders say the Kombolga-Minimbi reconciliation demonstrates that tribal conflicts do not have to drag on for years and can instead be resolved quickly through dialogue, mutual respect, and strong leadership.

They hope the Dei peace settlement will serve as a model for communities across Western Highlands and Papua New Guinea.