32 Warrior Tribes in the Southern Highlands prepare to sign peace treaty
During the early weeks of May, 2008, events of historical significance took place as the first 3 of a proposed 16 peace mediations, were carried out between 6 of the 32 warrior tribes in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
This week a further 6 tribes are in negotiations and the process is continuing.
Parties have begun signing temporary peace agreements, preparing to sign a permanent treaty on September 16th this year. September 16th is the PNG Day of Independence.
The events mark a potential momentous breakthrough in the history of PNG.
For generations these 32 tribes have lived as warriors and enemies; fighting, killing and plundering as a way of life. Because of this, no development or progress has been able to happen in the area, and certainly no foreigners could ever go to visit. These PNG tribes were stuck in a vicious cycle of violence.
After 7 years of establishing cell groups and training individuals to be facilitators, a week before Christmas last year (2007), a miracle occurred. Young Ambassadors for Peace (YAP), a program of Uniting International Mission, with Joy Balazo, Secretary of YAP, succeeded in bringing the tribes together and getting them to agree to a peace process.
The temporary agreements entail them to put down their weapons and pay compensation for the property that they have destroyed, as well as for the people they have killed.
It is amazing to see these 32 tribes brought together, looking towards a brighter future after so many years of fighting. The YAP volunteers believe that the success that they have had in starting the peace process truly showed that God was at work, doing mighty things and helping people with problems.
There are three YAP groups in PNG at this time, working with the tribes. Their goals of agreement for the tribes are:
1) Cease fighting
2) Compensate for the property they destroyed
3) Compensate for the people they killed
4) Sign a peace treaty in the presence of the Governor and Member of Parliament
The signing of the peace treaty, set to take place in September, will be cause for a day of public activity to be called, as the whole community will watch them sign the agreement.
Local policemen, Jacob Ten and others had much to say about the remarkable current developments occurring in the area, and are thrilled to be a part of this historic reconciliation.
“The conflicting parties came together and agreed to put a stop to the fighting,” Jacob recounts, “they will soon sign the agreement.”
It is only together that the PNG people will find a solution to their problems, and in light of the current occurrences, there is every reason to be excited about the peace settlement. Jacob believes that “together they can become friends, come to a conclusion and live in peace.”
As the only policeman in the area, Jacob feels that every policeman should be a part of YAP; “YAP is transforming the communities here,” he says, “If you have the chance to do this, all policemen should.”
Jacob received permission to stay with the YAP community after gaining a new and different perspective from being involved in the project.
Vera, a member of the community, describes the amazing breakthroughs which are happening in the mediations. “The Taro warrior men break down into tears. It is a miracle in itself to watch them cry. Every one of them is broken.”
The minister, David, has prayed for this peace for several years. He believes that God is showing His people His work, and he does not forget the support from the Uniting Church in Australia.
YAP coordinator, Moses, feels very happy to watch God do this good thing and is thrilled about his commitment and work in the project. He feels the impact that this is having upon the society and believes that all the mediations will be successful.
This is an incredible breakthrough for PNG. With the tribes in the Southern Highlands at peace, the area will finally be able to move forward and progress.
MEDIA INQUIRIES, PHOTOGRAPHS AND INTERVIEWS:
Hannah Hoskin, Communications Officer, UIM: 02 82674269, hannahh@nat.uca.org.au
Robert Lutton, Community Relationship Manager, UIM: 02 82674223, robertl@nat.uca.org.au
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