6 hours Ago By Nelson Joe
THE unprecedented level of development taking place is gaining momentum towards eradicating tribal fights in Unggai-Bena District, Eastern Highlands Province. This was highlighted in the peace agreement signing ceremony, putting an end to two decades of fierce fighting between two rival tribes within Kapogu community in ward six of lower Bena Local Level Government area. The district peace management chairman, Pastor Samson Kapolo, described the rivalry that the members of the tribes did not settle well on the “spilled blood”.
“During my 20 years of peace work, I have observed that so much blood was spilled and the people did not settle well,” he said. He said it was like Cain murdering his brother Abel as told in Genesis Chapter 4. “Gardens did not yield well, because the land did not recognise his efforts and Cain did not settle well and Kapogu was just like that,” he continued.
“Now that you have resolved to bury your differences today, you will sign the peace agreement on this unused Bible I have reserved so that healing can be restored at Kapogu.” He commended the tribes for being the first to come forward to sign the peace agreement, from a good number of ceasefires pending peace agreements. It was the first to take place during this term of government for the local MP Kinoka Feo, who give credit to his predecessor Benny Allan, a four-term consecutive former MP who worked hard with the church groups and community peace committee to restore normalcy in the district that was once a “No Go Zone”, especially in lower Bena LLG area.
One of the spokesmen briefly revealed that they lead a destitute life with no prominent persons in their community, whether as a public servant or in business. “The only prominent person we now have is a public servant public, a teacher who has recently graduated and is teaching at a primary school,” he said and presented two bilums to Mr Feo. “These bilums contain our requests.
One is for sawmill and the other is for roofing iron sheets and nails. Please help us. “We want to settle and deal with land, not weapons, and see what is coming to us under your leadership.
“We see light at the end of the tunnel when we see the road construction work going into our area.” Mr Feo said peace comes from Heaven, is very fragile and they must protect it at all costs to live a happy live. The ceremony was officiated by the provincial legal officer, Franklyn Artihulawa.
, who is now the corporate service division director..
