A historic peace agreement and traditional Coca-Cola sharing ceremony has marked the significant reunion of all parties involved in a tribal warfare at Winja Village, along the Warakamb Valley in the Marient local level government area of Kandep District yesterday.
Enga Provincial Police Commander a/Superintendent Daniel Yangen mentioned that the tribal conflict erupted over a land dispute between the Tupalya and Semna clans of the Masutu tribe in 2024.
The police chief revealed that the escalation of violence displaced thousands of people living along the border of Southern Highlands and Enga Provinces where the ongoing warfare claimed more than 30 lives and resulted in the destruction of properties worth millions of kina in government infrastructure, including schools and health centres, was also destroyed.
“Amidst the continuous violence, Resident Judge Hon. Justice Graham Elish issued a National Court Order calling for an immediate ceasefire on 10th July 2026. Both warring clans accepted and signed the ceasefire and MOU,” Superintendent Yangen said.
While witnessing the peace agreement yesterday, a/ Superintendent Daniel Yangen highlighted that warring tribes and affected communities came together for the peace reconciliation ceremony at Winja Village, along the border of Southern Highlands and Enga Province where five affected tribes were from the Mendi Munihu District in Southern Highlands Province and two tribes from Kandep District who signed the agreement symbolizing peace and reconciliation.
“The peace reconciliation ceremony was an initiative of local elite Mr. Kenn Lokai, following the signing of the ceasefire agreement. The ceremony included the formal signing of the peace accord and the traditional sharing of Coca-Cola among all parties involved,” the police chief said.
PPC Yangen acknowledged all parties for coming together, commended them for their reunion, and assured them that a Police Checkpoint will be established at the border of Southern Highlands and Enga Provinces to control and monitor the smuggling of illegal firearms, movement of liquor, and other illegal substances including marijuana.
“All illegal guns must be surrendered before the end of December 2026. Those who continue to avoid surrendering their illegal firearms will be hunted down with the involvement of Kumul 23, RPNGC Dog Unit, Drones, Mobile Squad (MS) and other disciplinary forces. The law is tough and will be tougher after the Amnesty ends. Therefore, the choice is upon the communities and those in possession of illegal guns.” he said.
Mr. Yangen also appealed to the leaders of Kandep to assist in the maintenance of Kandep Police Station and advised that additional police officers will be posted to revive the station.
The peace reconciliation ceremony was funded by local elite, Mr. Kenn Lokai.