Cause of tribal fighting yet to be established, official says

By DALE LUMA
MINERAL Resource Authority (MRA) managing director Jerry Garry says the cause of tribal fighting in Porgera is yet to be established.
Responding to queries from The National if the tribal fights would impact the process of reopening the Porgera Gold Mine in Enga, Garry said it was premature to comment.
The National had reported yesterday that the main dispute between the two warring tribes – Nomali and Aiyel – was over landowner leadership of the Porgera mine.
“At this stage, my officers are yet to establish the cause,” Garry said.
“But from the preliminary information that we are getting is that it’s related to their own issues outside the mine area.
“It’s premature to comment.
“We are re-strategising.
“Prime Minister James Marape was to visit Porgera Valley and speak to everyone up on the latest development with the efforts in reopening the mine on Wednesday.
“Unfortunately, with the security situation, we are reassessing and this visit may be highly unlikely with the PM yet to confirm.”
Fierce tribal fights have broken out in Porgera with business houses and Government offices closed down indefinitely, more than 100 houses burnt, making thousands homeless.
Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nickson Pakea said: “Thugs are trying to break into the PJV (Porgera Joint Venture) sage mill.
“There is strong resistance by security personnel, including MS 9 mobile squad 11 policemen from Wabag.
“General election 2022 is around the corner and this ongoing war is a threat to public safety and a fair electoral process.
“The responsible authorities, including the Enga administration, must look into the problem seriously until the polls are over and the Porgera mine reopens.”