PNG Highlands Conflict Escalates: Child Soldiers, Illegal Arms, and Mercenaries Fuel Violence

Tribal conflicts in Papua New Guinea's remote highlands have intensified, marked by reports of child soldiers, the widespread circulation of illegal high-powered weapons, and an estimated 800 fatalities in the past seven years. UN-sponsored research indicates a significant portion of these weapons are trafficked by state actors and elites, contributing to a cycle of violence that now includes mercenaries and associated human rights concerns. The government has initiated a gun amnesty and an audit of military weapons, while enforcement efforts have resulted in fatalities.

UN-sponsored research indicates a significant portion of illegal weapons are trafficked by state actors and elites, contributing to a cycle of violence that now includes mercenaries and associated human rights concerns.

Intensifying Conflicts and Child Soldier Reports

Tribal warfare in Papua New Guinea's highlands has escalated, with reports from former tribal warlord Smith Thomas indicating the involvement of children as young as eight, and in some accounts, as young as seven. These children are reportedly trained to operate military-grade assault rifles, including M16 A2s, capable of loading and firing the weapons. Smith Thomas, from Enga province, identified one 12-year-old as a trained fighter. The participation of children is often attributed to a culture of revenge, obliging them to avenge relatives killed in previous battles. Families reportedly do not intervene, with some accepting their sons' roles in these conflicts.

"Children as young as eight, and in some accounts, as young as seven, are reportedly trained to operate military-grade assault rifles."

The shift from traditional weapons, such as bows and arrows, to high-powered firearms has increased the lethality of these battles. Smith Thomas and his allies estimate approximately 800 people, including civilians, women, and children, have been killed in the past seven years. Firearms are reportedly viewed by combatants as essential for defending land, resources, and avenging deaths, thereby perpetuating the cycle of violence. Enga province has been identified as a significant area for gun violence.

Proliferation and Sources of Illegal Weapons

UN-sponsored research suggests a substantial flow of illegal weapons, many of which are military-grade, into the country's highlands. A study conducted by researcher Barbara Komainde and former PNG Defence Force Commander Jerry Singirok, which surveyed approximately 1,200 people, estimated around 100,000 illegal weapons are circulating.

Key Sources Identified:

The study indicated the following sources of illegal firearms:

48% were believed to be smuggled across borders.
24% were attributed to elites, politicians, and businessmen, who reportedly acquire weapons for remote tribes to protect land, mining interests, and political positions. Some individuals are reported to import weapons through official ports using influence or falsified documentation.
16% were claimed to be traded by police, military, and prison officers. Former Commander Singirok stated that the government has lost control, citing soldiers and policemen trading or selling weapons.

Former Commander Jerry Singirok stated that the government has lost control, citing soldiers and policemen trading or selling weapons.

Payments for these weapons reportedly include cash, drugs, women, and pigs.

Rise of Mercenaries and Associated Concerns

The use of paid mercenaries has emerged as a recent development in PNG's tribal conflicts. Researchers, including Barbara Komainde, have characterized this as a "lucrative business" or a more sophisticated industry. Mercenaries reportedly demand money, food, and women as compensation.

Ms. Komainde's research team found that women and girls are trafficked to mercenaries as a form of payment, a practice confirmed by a mercenary named Jacob Luke. Those hiring mercenaries have stated they provide these forms of compensation out of necessity to secure protection for their land boundaries.

Amnesty International's Pacific researcher, Kate Schutze, has highlighted concerns regarding consent in these transactional relationships and described the situation as involving human rights violations and a normalization of violence. Ms. Komainde attributed these issues to powerful individuals who supply the expensive illegal weapons.

Amnesty International described the situation as involving "human rights violations and a normalization of violence."

Government Response and Ongoing Challenges

Papua New Guinea's Chief of Defence, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, acknowledged that military weapons and ammunition have reached tribal fighters. He announced that an audit of lost weapons is underway, alongside the implementation of new accounting and accountability systems within the defence force.

Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced a nationwide gun amnesty, encouraging civilians to surrender firearms to avoid criminal charges. Individuals failing to surrender weapons during the amnesty period are expected to face legal consequences. A paramilitary police squad, Kumul-23, has been tasked with targeting illegal weapon holders. A recent Kumul-23 raid in Enga province resulted in five deaths after tribesmen resisted surrendering weapons.

Smith Thomas and his allies in Enga province have reportedly agreed to surrender their guns. Mr. Thomas expressed a desire for peace and for children to return to school, conveying weariness with the conflict and hoping the gun surrender initiative marks a turning point for his community.

"Smith Thomas expressed a desire for peace and for children to return to school, conveying weariness with the conflict."