A historic peace agreement signed last Thursday, October 22, reunited seven tribes from Enga and Southern Highlands border at Winja Village in Kandep District, through reconciliation and traditional Coca-Cola sharing following deadly tribal warfare.
The tribal conflict erupted in 2024 over a land dispute between the Tupalya and Semna clans of the Masutu tribe.
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The violence displaced thousands of people living along the border and claimed more than 30 lives and destroyed properties worth millions of kina, including government infrastructure such as schools and health centres.
Amid the continuing violence, Resident Judge Hon. Justice Graham Elish issued a National Court order on July 10, 2026, directing an immediate ceasefire. Both warring clans accepted and signed the ceasefire Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Enga Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Daniel Yangen witnessed the peace agreement, which brought together affected communities for reconciliation at Winja Village in Marient Local-Level Government, Kandep District.
Five affected tribes from Mendi-Munihu District in Southern Highlands Province and two tribes from Kandep District signed the agreement, symbolizing their commitment to peace and reconciliation.
The ceremony was initiated by local community leader Mr. Kenn Lokai following the signing of the ceasefire agreement.
It included the formal signing of the peace accord and the traditional sharing of Coca-Cola among the parties as a symbol of unity.
The reconciliation followed the death of Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor, the late Kundapen, who had taken refuge in Kandep during the fighting.
PPC Yangen acknowledged all parties for coming together and commended the communities for their commitment to reconciliation.
He also announced that a police checkpoint would be established along the Southern Highlands-Enga border to control and monitor the smuggling of illegal firearms, the movement of liquor and other illegal substances, including marijuana.
Mr. Yangen warned that all illegal firearms must be surrendered before the end of December 2026, cautioning that those who failed to comply would face intensified police operations.
“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 in a statement.
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Mr. Yangen also appealed to Kandep leaders to assist in maintaining Kandep Police Station and advised that additional police officers would be deployed to revive the station.
The peace reconciliation ceremony was funded by Mr. Lokai.