By JAMES KILA
PEOPLE of Kofena in the upper Asaro area of Daulo, Eastern Highlands province, will long treasure Christmas 2007.
For the first time in many years, they were able to celebrate Christmas peacefully, and reflect on Jesus Christ as the true “Prince of Peace.
For over 17 year, three tribes in the area - the Andahos, Lindimas and Kanosa - were unable to celebrate Christmas peacefully.
Fear and anxiety hung in the air as fierce tribal fighting and bitter conflict reigned supreme.
Consequently, children born during the 17 years of tribal conflict, did not understand the true meaning of Christmas - a time when the child Jesus Christ humbly came down to this world to save humanity from the bondage of sin.
Peace eventually came about on December 5, 2007, when leaders of the three warring tribes met at Asaro government station.
In an emotional peace ceremony brokered by the Daulo district council of churches, leaders of the three tribes shared tears openly, and vowed to lay down arms and embrace lasting peace and harmony.
A tribal leader from the Andaho testified that he supplied guns and ammunition to his young men to use against enemies from the Lindima-Kanosa.
He, and many others, now claims he is armed with the “Word of God”.
He publicly testified that it was the power of the Holy Spirit which united these once-bitter enemies to come together and sign the peace agreement.
He said the Holy Spirit was indeed at work during the peace negotiations.
The tribal leader said the work of the Holy Spirit was all-powerful and brought God’s wholeness or “shalom” - which is most often translated in the Hebrew language as “peace”
One very special message that was delivered and shared amongst many hundreds of once-enemy tribesmen was that the closer the relationship with God, the better they were in forging peace.
Many of the tribal leaders including former provincial government members, public servants and businessmen – who themselves carried guns on the battlefields – spoke about the need for peace.
Women from both sides made reenactments of the hardships they faced during the conflict when they had to carry children and pigs and flee into the bushes.
Pastor Frank Luntiko said the fight initially started in 1990 over a small pot of rice, which someone claimed had been “poisoned”.
The argument ensued into a full-scale tribal fight which cost many lives and loss of property.
Pastor Luntiko told the congregation not to unnecessarily support their tribesmen and escalate the problem.
He said the warfare brought about the men had inflicted immeasurable pain and misery to innocent women and children over the years.
Education and health facilities in the area were closed and government services did not flow during those dark days.
The peace ceremony was witnessed by Daulo MP Kondo Patrick, senior Goroka magistrate Felix Terra, deputy provincial administrator John Gimisive, provincial police commander Philip Solala and a representative from the provincial law and justice sector agency.
It was facilitated by the Daulo district administrator, Ipae Manihai, who was instrumental in mobilising local churches to broker peace between the three warring tribes.
Warring parties agreed not to provoke each other into breaching the agreement.
They agreed to respect lives and properties.
The three clans agreed to be united under the name of “Kofena”.
They decided not to have in their possession illegal firearms.
Anybody found to have in their possession of any type of firearm will be automatically referred to police.
They agreed to allow free passage and access without any obstruction, hindrance and interference.
Free passage is allowed to public servants and school students, church members and non-clan members between Asaro station and Foinda road, Gambara road, tracks and all other roads in the upper Asaro area.

 

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