The Enga Interdenominational Global Missions Inc. (EIGM) conducted its first Community Consultation Meeting for peace in the Maip Mulitaka Local Level Government area of the Paiela-Pogera District, bringing together all the 19 ward councillors to discuss practical, community-driven solutions to tribal fighting and other forms of lawlessness in the LLG.
The meeting was facilitated by the Enga Provincial Government Director of Law and Order Mr Nelson Leia and the Provincial Police Commander a/Superintendent Daniel Yangen to ensure the participation of all the 19 ward councillors marking an important step towards building a collective approach to peace, security and reconciliation in the Maip Mulitaka LLG.
EIGM Patron and local businessman Jonathan Waki believes that lasting peace must begin at the community level where ward councillors, community leaders, churches, elders, women, youth and other stakeholders all have important roles to play in identifying the causes of tribal fighting and developing locally driven solutions.
“This initial consultation is the beginning of a broader peacebuilding program that EIGM will continue implementing across Maip Mulitaka LLG in the coming weeks,” Waki said.
He highlighted that the ongoing consultation process aims to outline the underlying causes of tribal fighting and other forms of lawlessness in the LLG and develop community by-laws that promote peace, respect, accountability and peaceful conflict resolution.
“This consultation will alos facilitate peace negotiations, reconciliation and lasting agreements between warring tribes while strengthening cooperation between ward councilors, churches, community leaders, the provincial administration and law enforcement agencies,” Waki said.
He reiterated the call for the communities in the Maip-Mulitaka LLG and Pogera-Paiela District to support in the Gun Amnesty Program by promoting community ownership of peace and establishing practical mechanisms for preventing future conflicts.
Provincial Police Commander a/Superintendent Daniel Yangen acknowledged the participation of all 19 ward councilors and extends his appreciation to Mr. Nelson Lea and the Provincial Law and Order Committee for their involvement and contributions to the consultation.
“The journey towards lasting peace requires collective responsibility, courage, dialogue and sustained commitment. Police will continue working with relevant authorities and communities to address the underlying causes of conflict and build a peaceful future for the people of Maip Mulitaka, Pogera-Paiela, and Enga Province as a whole,” Supt.Yangen said.
He called on community partnership with the police in building peace from the ward level up as he is committed in working together for peace, reconciliation and safer communities throughout Enga Province.