Papua New Guinea is proactively addressing a significant surge in violence and tribal conflicts, particularly in the Highlands region, by initiating a national gun amnesty and buyback program. The initiative, which began on February 27 and is expected to run until late August, is driven by a need to eliminate tens of thousands of illegal firearms from circulation.
Police Minister Sir John Pundari emphasized that this campaign is not merely a police operation but a comprehensive national movement aimed at fostering peace in the country. The program allows citizens to voluntarily surrender illegal weapons without facing penalties, and in return, they will receive cash payments, although the specific amounts can vary depending on the province and may sometimes include support for individuals looking to start agricultural businesses.
“This initiative aims to be a strategic investment in human life,” Pundari stated, reinforcing the importance of preventing violence. The move aligns with broader government efforts to reestablish law and order, which includes imposing harsher penalties for illegal firearm possession. While gun ownership is permitted in Papua New Guinea, all firearms must be registered and licensed with the police.
According to a report by former defense force commander Jerry Singirok, prepared for the UN, it is estimated that around 100,000 illegal firearms are present in the country, with only 12 percent legally being registered and licensed. The prime minister, James Marape, highlighted that many of these guns are supplied by outsiders, creating a cycle of fear and chaos that threatens families and communities.
Marape also warned that strict penalties will follow the amnesty period for those who fail to comply, stating, “We will embrace you during the amnesty period, but once it ends, enforcement will be firm and uncompromising.” The government intends to clear firearms from the Highlands region in anticipation of the national elections scheduled for 2027, which have historically seen increased violence.
Violence exacerbated by land disputes, tribal rivalries, and political tensions has been escalating in the Highlands, where high-powered firearms and explosives have become alarmingly accessible. Conflicts that once relied on traditional mediation and basic weaponry have evolved into deadly confrontations due to the firearms proliferation.
Pundari stressed the need for ongoing engagement with tribal leaders, churches, and community groups to address the violence effectively. He noted the importance of stabilizing the region not just for local communities but also for maintaining vital transport and trade routes, such as the Highlands Highway that connects to the coastal city of Lae.
However, the initiative has faced criticism. Deputy opposition leader Keith Iduhu questioned the effectiveness of the buyback program, suggesting that addressing the firearms crisis requires more comprehensive structural reforms and law enforcement measures. Singirok, while acknowledging the amnesty as a crucial first step, cautioned that without stronger laws and stricter enforcement, the initiative may have limited long-term success.
This push for disarmament represents a hopeful step towards restoring peace and safety in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands, with community engagement being pivotal in transforming the current climate of violence into one of stability and cooperation.