Prime Minister urges country to refrain from violence
Prime Minister James Marape has sturdily condemned recent reports of ethnic violence highlighting the tragic incident in Goilala, Central that was highlighted on the front page of one of the daily paper’s.
Marape urged the communities to refrain from resorting to violence and tribal conflicts that result in the loss of life.
He said the recent images from Goilala are deeply concerning and must not allow tribal conflicts and violence retaliation to become the norm.
“Such acts of inhumanity are intolerable and represent a significant challenge to our shared humanity,” Marape said in a statement.
“We must unite as a nation to condemn these actions unequivocally and work collaboratively towards building a safer, more just Papua New Guinea—where the rule of law is upheld, lives are protected, and justice is served.”
The prime minister encouraged the community not to take matters into their own hands.
He said; “if the nearest police station lacks the capacity to respond, must escalate the matter to the higher authority.”
Marape emphasized for the community to engage with police in addressing such matters.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and said his government remains committed to improve police capacity and response time to better serve the communities in the country.
“We know our police force needs more resources and support respond faster and more effectively.”
As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th anniversary PM Marape reminds the country to reflect on the values of peace, respect and unity.