AID DELIVERED AS LEADER PUSH FOR PEACE IN KAGUA

BY JOE REMA

HUMANITARIAN assistance has been delivered to families affected by the ongoing tribal conflict between the Wambea and Mirupa tribes in Kagua, Southern Highlands Province.

Representatives from the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority, former Works and Highways Secretary David Wereh, and Mineral Resources Development Company Managing Director Augustine Mano visited the area on Tuesday to distribute relief supplies.

Food items, including rice, tinned fish, cooking oil and biscuits, were delivered to affected residents in Tulure and Alitali villages.

Speaking during the distribution, Mr Wereh urged both tribes to lay down their arms and work towards lasting peace.

“We come here representing the Government to find a way forward. The level of this conflict has become highly risky, putting many lives in danger,” he said.

“Lives have been lost and properties worth millions of kina have been destroyed. We must not allow any more lives to be lost. Nothing will work without peace. Kagua-Erave has great potential, but without peace we cannot move forward.”

Mr Mano commended the Southern Highlands Peace and Restoration Committee, led by chairman Philip Moya, for its ongoing efforts to mediate the conflict.

“When there is no peace, investors will not come to develop Kagua-Erave. They will go to places where there is peace,” he said.

“This Easter season reminds us of forgiveness. We must forgive each other, rise up, and provide leadership that will change the course of Kagua-Erave.”