Two warring tribes in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, renewed their commitments on Saturday to maintain peace in the province, following a fight that lasted more than two years.
More than fifty lives were lost in this fight that started in 1999 and ended in 2002. The tribes renewed their commitments during the SHP Covenant Day in Mendi.
The covenant renewal day in Mendi over the weekend, was also an opportunity for the warring tribes of Unjomap and Tukujup to make peace once again. This fight that lasted more than two years caused a lot of destruction to Mendi town, with services disrupted and people travelled miles to access basic services.
A cease fire agreement was reached in 2003 and the warring factions agreed to stop fight and have lived up to this agreement to date, the occasion on Saturday saw them again asking forgiveness from each other.
Mr Mendepo lost K7 million worth of properties in Mendi town. Representing the Unjomap community, their leader apologised to the province for causing disruption to the services.
Works Minister, Francis Awesa was one of the key players in negotiating peace before becoming a member of parliament, and he told of how hard it was to bring the warring tribes together to make peace. He spent his own resources to get 27 men each from the two tribes to Port Moresby, and have a round-the-table discussion with the police to reach an agreement for peace.
Ten years on, and the signs of the fight are visible in Mendi town, a once peaceful and beautiful place.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VI_nBijUINw%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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