Gangs of rampaging men supporting rival candidates in Papua New Guinea’s general election have attacked each other with bush knives and machetes, while a group of women has been tortured and murdered for suspected witchcraft.
PNG is going through a particularly turbulent period. Nine women suspected of sorcery after a prominent businessman died were captured by torturers. Four of the women were murdered, ABC reported. Meanwhile, gangs ran amok, chopping people with machetes outside the country’s main sports stadium in the latest outbreak of election-related violence.
A state of emergency has been declared in the Enga Highlands of Porgera after 18 people were chopped to death in what police say is a long-running tribal fight. About 70 people have been killed in the area recently.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its advisory for PNG yesterday as follows:
There’s an increased risk of civil unrest and violence during election periods. Due to election-related violence in Port Moresby, Australian High Commission staff have been advised to restrict their movements. There have been instances of unlawfulness during the election in Enga Province and Mendi and Nipa in the Southern Highlands Province. We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to these locations due to ongoing tribal violence and the dangerous security environment associated with the election. Check security conditions, monitor the media and avoid non-essential travel to areas where civil unrest occurs.
We advise: Reconsider your need to travel to Papua New Guinea overall due to the impacts of Covid-19.
Other levels apply in some areas. Read the full travel advice.
DFAT’s advisory – with its timid reference to “instances of unlawfulness” – is remarkable for its restraint. It advises Australians to reconsider travel to PNG because of “the impacts of Covid-19” – which seems a comparatively minor hazard compared to other risks there.
As DFAT notes:
- The risk of violent crime and sexual assault in PNG is high. Criminals often use ‘bush knives’ (machetes) and guns. Always be alert to your surroundings. Avoid going out after dark.
- Civil disorder and criminal activity has occurred at tourist resorts. Keep doors and windows locked, including when travelling by vehicle. Consider using private security.
Written by Peter Needham
.jpg){kind=tracking}
