Tribal fighting in the heart of Goroka Town

It was reported in yesterday’s Post Courier that two tribal groups recently had a skirmish right in the middle of town. Stones, sticks, knives and anything else the “warriors” could get their hands on were allegedly used as weapons. Goroka, once a peaceful place, is now beginning to experience its fair share of violence.

Although generally I don’t condemn tribal fighting as I believe that tribes and clans have a right to protect and defend what is theirs: property, land and people… just like nations in the so called developed world from time to time can justify and declare war on each other. In fact I believe that there’s probably more honour behind a tribal fight than what there is when a developed country decides to invade another on grounds of principle or economic rationale.

Having said that – I do have several issues though regarding the tribal violence that continues to unfold in various locations around of Papua New Guinea:

1) When inter or intra tribal issues are taken into the cities, towns and settlements – in this case into the heart of Goroka. Let the warring parties take to battle on their own turf and out in the bush where innocent bystanders don’t stand the risk of being injured.

2) Some of these tribal conflicts have been going on for months, years and occasionally for generations. With fatalities on both sides sometimes running into the dozens. Although I have found an affinity with and for Highlands aggression – I don’t understand the reasoning or logic (and perhaps I never will) behind this need to perpetually kill and be killed. Highlanders also have a reputation for being masters at conflict resolution. Hey guys…. when is enough enough?

A victim of tribal fighting around the Goroka area (this man survived by the way)

3) It is unfortunate but true that most of the inter/intra tribal fighting that regularly explodes around Goroka Town is between tribal and clan groups that originate from a certain District in the Eastern Highlands.

4) In true Highlands spirit – Village/Community Courts and a peace mediation process inevitably follow these violent episodes. A day doesn’t go by that you won’t see large gatherings in the Peace Park (next to the airport) resolving their differences and shaking hands. A court decision is always followed by an agreed compensation amount and in many cases both sides are “fined”. It then becomes the responsibility of the members of the tribe/clan/family to chip in the cash to pay for these nuances. There exists within the Highlander a deep sense of obligation and responsibility to help out a fellow clan member by way of a cash contribution.

This last point is most inconvenient and in many cases is the prime reason why clan members go into self exile. Back in the days when compensation involved payment in the form of pigs, bananas, other vegetables and the odd cassowary the system worked really well. Nowadays money is involved and clan loyalty by way of a financial contribution towards a settlement overrides the family’s priority when it comes to finding or being able to pay for their child’s education fees.

The story that appeared in yesterday’s paper…

Rival clans take fight to Goroka

By JOHNNY POIYA

GOROKA erupted yesterday, with the public scattering in all directions around midday as two tribes from Henganofi clashed in the heart of town.
Stores in the main commercial centre closed doors as the hour-long battle raged from the Bird of Paradise Hotel to the provincial headquarters and the police station and then back to the hotel.
According to eyewitnesses at the scene, two groups of tribesmen from the Kafe tribe of Henganofi met and decided to solve their tribal conflict at home, in the heart of the town – the traditional highlands way.
Eyewitness Willie Palme said men armed with stones, sticks, bushknives and other weapons clashed in the town centre, sending the public running for cover in all directions.
The most affected were operators at the favourite tourism destination near the Bird of Paradise Hotel where women sell bilum wear and men sell craft and artifacts.
Some of the warriors grabbed the bows and arrows that were sold for tourists and used them to attack each other. Mr Palme said: “The most affected were mothers who lost their bilums in the commotion and fathers who had their artifacts and crafts taken during the commotion.”
The fight is alleged to have swayed to and fro for some time before two police vehicles came in and contained the situation.
A number of people from both sides were said to have been injured in the clash.
Attempts by opportunists to loot stores were prevented when police moved in and quelled the situation.
Goroka town, once the most peaceful centre in the country, has seen an increase in law and order problems recently.
Provincial police chief Teddy Tei has appealed to tribal groups in the province to sort out their differences through the
established court system and refrain from resorting to violence.
An angry Highlands divisional police commander Simon Kauba called for people to respect public areas and properties and take their differences back to the villages.