Gangland Wars: Tribal Loyalties Fuel Bloodshed in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is plagued by violent gang wars, fueled by tribal loyalties and a culture of revenge. The country’s troubled streets are awash with homemade weapons and armed criminals who show no hesitation in taking on each other or the law.

A Culture of Revenge

Tribal loyalties play a significant role in Papua New Guinea’s gang wars, driving much of the violence. Feuds can simmer for years, fueled by perceived slights or injustices. When tensions finally boil over, the results are often devastating.

• “It’s all about respect and reputation,” said one local resident. “If someone disrespects your tribe or family, you have to take action to restore honor.”
• This sense of honor and loyalty can lead to a never-ending cycle of violence and revenge.

Armed to the Teeth

Gangs in Papua New Guinea often manufacture their own weapons due to the high cost of importing small arms. This has led to a proliferation of homemade firearms and explosives, further increasing the risk of violence.

• “We’re talking about people who are desperate and willing to do whatever it takes to survive,” said a police officer. “They’re not afraid of the law, and that makes them a significant threat.”
• The lack of affordable small arms has led to the proliferation of homemade weapons, making the situation even more dangerous.

Corruption at All Levels

Papua New Guinea’s corruption problem is pervasive, with criminal networks and government officials alike engaging in illegal activities. The country’s judiciary is also compromised, with judges and prosecutors often being bribed or intimidated.

• “The system is broken,” said an anti-corruption activist. “Until we address the root causes of this corruption, we’ll never be able to stem the tide of violence.”
• Corruption at all levels of government has made it difficult to combat organized crime and bring those responsible to justice.

Civil Society Underfunded

Local civil society organizations are doing their best to provide support services to victims of organized crime, but they are severely underfunded. The government’s lack of support for these groups only exacerbates the problem.

• “We’re trying to do our part, but it’s hard when we don’t have the resources,” said a representative from one local organization. “We need more help and more funding to make a real difference.”
• The lack of resources has limited the ability of civil society organizations to provide adequate support to those affected by organized crime.

A Brighter Future

Despite the challenges, there are those who believe that Papua New Guinea can overcome its gangland woes. With increased investment in education and job creation, combined with a sustained effort to address corruption, the country may finally be able to break free from this cycle of violence.

• “It’s not going to be easy, but we have to try,” said Prime Minister James Marape. “We owe it to our people to create a better future for them.”
• The key to breaking the cycle of violence lies in addressing the root causes of corruption and providing support to those affected by organized crime.