Provincial and District Authorities in Morobe, Papua New Guinea, have gathered in Yalumet in the Kabwum District on the eve of the 41st Independence celebration to hold a reconciliation ceremony between feuding clans.
The political conflict peaked during the 1987 elections when several people were injured and properties destroyed.
Over the past 20 years, there has been ongoing fighting between the local clans over various issues related to it.
The conflict has also affected the operation of schools, health centres and other services.
Today, members of the provincial law and order committee travelled to Yalumet to witness the reconciliation process.
Various parts of the Kabwum and Finschhafen Districts have been affected by ongoing tribal conflicts over the last 24 months.
In 2015, fighting in Pindiu in the Finschhafen District resulted in the killing of a policeman and several villagers.
The law and order officers hope that the clans at Yalumet will find common ground to move forward after 20 years of sporadic fighting.