PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea: Papua New Guinea has granted emergency powers to police in an effort to curb escalating violence in the Porgera Valley, home to one of the country’s largest gold mines. Police Commissioner David Manning announced the use of “lethal force” against illegal settlers and miners who have been clashing with local landowners. “If you raise a weapon in a public place or to threaten another person, you will be shot,” Manning warned.
The violence, blamed on illegal miners and settlers, has led to numerous deaths, though an official toll has not been released. Enga province governor Peter Ipatas described the situation as “dire,” with innocent lives lost and properties destroyed. An overnight curfew and a ban on alcohol sales have also been imposed.
Porgera’s gold mine, which once contributed 10% of the country’s export earnings, has seen production slow due to tribal violence and governmental delays. In 2022, gunfights near the mine claimed at least 17 lives, and in 2024, 26 people were killed in East Sepik province, including 16 children.
Pope Francis recently urged Papua New Guinea to end tribal violence, expressing hope for peace and development.
