SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says tribal violence is not the way to resolve issues, as Papua New Guinea celebrates 47 years of Independence.
He said this after the massive destruction in Goroka following the murder of PNG Ports Managing-Director, Fego Kiniafa, by his tribesmen in retaliation.
PM Marape condemned the murder of the young and promising Eastern Highlander, however, added that the ensuing violence and destruction in Goroka should never have happened.
“Our nation has just celebrated 47 years of Independence and we cannot forever resort to tribalism to sort out our problems and disputes,” the concerned Prime Minister said from London, where he is attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
“A murder has been committed, someone has been aggrieved, and normal processes of police and court must take precedence.
“Our people must not continue to resort to tribalism to resolve disputes – as this will only create more problems.
“I want to encourage our people to refrain from resorting to tribalism to resort disputes and conflicts.
“Let the police and court systems sort this out.”
PM Marape said police were on the way to arresting those responsible for the murder of Kiniafa when the violence and destruction erupted in Goroka.
“Our people in Papua New Guinea must learn to refrain from resorting to violence to solve law-and-order issues,” he said.
“Allow police to do their job.”
PM Marape admitted that there was a major problem of police manpower shortage in the country which the Government would attend to as a matter of urgency.
“We will be recruiting more police so that the police to citizen ratio is increased,” he said.
“There will be a complete overhaul of the police system to be spearheaded by Internal Security Minister Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr.
“My Government will not continue to allow incidents like what happened in Goroka to continue.
“We will work, in a holistic manner, to bring in a better police system with better-trained and better -resourced police.
“Police will be working more closely with our court system and Correctional Service.
“We will work on this over the next two years so we secure our domestic security as part of our ‘Road to 50 and Beyond’ celebrations in 2025
“I know our people have lost trust in police after having endured a broken-down system for so many years, however, I can assure you all that we will change this going forward.
“As we celebrate 47 years of Independence, I ask all citizens to honor our country, simply by honoring laws of our country.
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