What's happened
Violence in Papua New Guinea's Porgera Valley has resulted in an estimated 20 to 50 deaths amid ongoing tribal conflicts over mining rights. The United Nations reports that fighting continues, with security forces now deployed to the area. The situation follows a recent attack on landowners by unauthorized miners.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the violence in the Porgera Valley has involved hundreds of tribal warriors fighting over mining access, with police reporting that '30 men had been killed across the rival clans.' The South China Morning Post highlights the UN's humanitarian adviser, Mate Bagossy, stating that 'the fighting is continuing,' indicating a dire situation. The police have sanctioned 'lethal force' to quell the violence, reflecting a severe escalation in the government's response. This multifaceted conflict underscores the challenges faced by local authorities in managing tribal disputes fueled by illegal mining activities.
How we got here
The violence stems from longstanding tribal conflicts exacerbated by illegal mining activities in the Porgera Valley, a region rich in gold. Tensions escalated following an attack on a landowner in August, leading to retaliatory violence among rival clans.
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