Papua New Guinea’s Police Chief Authorizes Lethal Force to Combat Violence in Enga Province, Human Rights Concerns Emerge
The police chief of Papua New Guinea has given the green light for officers to use lethal force in order to curb violence in the Enga province, where one of the world’s largest gold producers and its Chinese partner plan to reopen a mine with a history of human rights abuses. The directive, issued in an August 12 memo by Commissioner of Police David Manning, comes in response to reports of escalating violence in the remote highlands region known for tribal conflicts. However, the directive applies to the entire country.
The memo cites the increasing number of reports of the Enga population being armed with firearms and offensive weapons, which has led to a rise in violent criminal activities. Its aim is to ensure that individuals with firearms no longer pose a threat to law-abiding citizens and vulnerable communities. This move is crucial to maintain law and order in the region and is particularly significant for the operation of the Porgera gold mine, co-owned by Canada’s Barrick Gold Corp. and China’s Zijin Mining Group. Barrick Gold Corp. recently announced plans to resume operations at the mine by the end of 2023, after it was closed for several years.
Maintaining law and order plays a crucial role in the successful operation of the Porgera mine, as emphasized by Mining Minister Ano Pala. However, Papua New Guinea’s police force faces significant challenges, with just one police officer for approximately every 1,800 people – a figure nearly four times lower than the level recommended by the United Nations. A report published this year by researcher Sean Jacobs estimated that the ratio of police to people has decreased substantially over the past 50 years, as the country’s population tripled to over nine million. These challenges, coupled with problems such as tribal violence, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure, have made stability elusive for Papua New Guinea since gaining independence from Australia in 1975.
Commissioner Manning, in a statement on Tuesday, emphasized that his shoot-to-kill directive has the full support of the government and that police officers have received clear instructions on when to use lethal force. The directive applies to individuals brandishing firearms, explosive devices, or other weapons such as bush knives or catapults. Manning warned domestic terrorists and other criminals that they can expect no tolerance.
The police union in Papua New Guinea has called for urgent action to address the low morale, poor equipment, and dilapidated barracks faced by the force. Lowa Tambua, the president of the Police Association, highlighted the need to prioritize the welfare of police personnel and equip them adequately to handle crises.
The Porgera mine, located approximately 600 kilometers (373 miles) northwest of the capital, Port Moresby, has been a source of conflict for years. In 2011, a report by Human Rights Watch exposed incidents of gang rapes and other violent abuses by security guards at the mine. In 2021, Barrick Gold Corp. and Zijin Mining agreed to reduce their combined stake in the mine to just under 50% following the Papua New Guinea government’s refusal to renew Porgera’s license. As a result, local interests, including the provincial government and traditional landowners, are now the majority owners.
As Papua New Guinea seeks to reopen the Porgera gold mine, the authorization of lethal force by the police chief raises concerns about potential human rights abuses. The delicate balance between maintaining law and order and protecting the rights of individuals requires careful scrutiny. The use of lethal force should be highly regulated and monitored to prevent excessive violence and ensure the safety of both the public and the police. The government must also address the challenges faced by the police force, including low morale and inadequate resources, to effectively combat violence in Enga Province and across the country.
