Revenge Drives Deadly Gang Wars in Papua New Guinea

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Papua New Guinea is plagued by a culture of revenge, with heavily armed gangs wreaking havoc on its streets. The country’s law enforcement agencies are rife with corruption, and government officials often turn a blind eye to illegal activities or even participate in them.

A Culture of Revenge

• Gangs in PNG make their own weapons due to the high cost of importing small arms, leading to a surge in violent crimes.
• Corruption is pervasive, with top officials embroiled in organized crime and human trafficking.
• The country’s political landscape is characterized by instability, with communities plagued by violence and a lack of trust in the government and police.

Ineffective Justice System

• Papua New Guinea’s judicial system is under-resourced and ineffective, leading to lengthy detentions and trial delays.
• Prisons are overcrowded and poorly maintained, contributing to prison violence and escapes.

Economic Challenges

• The country’s economy is heavily dependent on extractive industries and agriculture, but the informal sector dominates, with most adults employed outside of the formal economy.
• Money laundering is becoming a growing concern, despite efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering frameworks.

Limited Support for Victims

• Civil society organizations provide limited support services for victims of organized crime.
• Local media outlets are relatively free but often face targeted abuse and impartiality concerns.
• The government’s response has been inadequate, with no witness protection scheme in place and limited support for victims of human trafficking.

A Recipe for Disaster

• Revenge drives the actions of gangs, who seek to settle scores through violence and intimidation.
• As long as corruption and instability persist, Papua New Guinea will struggle to combat transnational organized crime and build a safer future for its citizens.

In summary, Papua New Guinea is trapped in a cycle of violence and corruption, driven by a culture of revenge. To break this cycle, the country must address its underlying issues, including corruption, political instability, and economic challenges. Only then can it hope to build a safer future for its citizens.