Magarima district reconciles warring tribes

In support of the ongoing Gun Surrender Program in Hela Province, a tribal conflict in Magarima district has been resolved through peace and reconciliation.

The clash was between the Inja Mugan tribe of Upper Nipa in Nipa-Kutubu district, Southern Highlands Province, and the Kapisi tribe of Lower Wage in Magarima district, Hela Province.

To restore peace, a traditional compensation ceremony was held between the two neighbouring tribes on Saturday.

The ceremony was witnessed by Hela Peace Chairman Albert Kon, Lower Wage LLG president Jack Tanda, and all ten Ward councillors of Lower Wage LLG.

Dr. Benson Meles Wakinda, who was assisting one of the Kapisi Tribe factions during the compensation, said peace must always be prioritized after a conflict, not further violence.

“Peace settlement must always be the central driving force after a conflict, not tribal fighting,” Dr. Meles said.

“As a result of tribal conflict, many innocent lives have been lost, people have suffered pain, and valuable properties destroyed,” he said.

He called on communities to reject tribal fighting and support lasting peace.

“We must all say no to fighting, make peace through compensation and surrender all guns in support of Governor Philip Undialu’s gun surrender program. This is the way forward and I appreciate both parties for coming together to ensure peace prevails and to give freedom to our people,” Dr. Meles said.

He said the compensation ceremony is in preparation for the district’s Gun Surrender Program, which will be held in a few weeks’ time after the Provincial Gun Surrender team led by Governor Undialu completes programs in Koroba-Kopiago and Komo-Hulia Districts.

Dr. Meles stressed that peace and reconciliation before a conflict escalates is the foundation of a peaceful society and appealed to all communities to support the peace process.