21 Nov 2023 | 06:18 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Officials imposing curfew in Wabag and Wapenamanda, Enga Province, through Dec. 15 due to violent unrest /update 1
Officials imposing curfew in Wabag and Wapenamanda, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, through Dec. 15 due to violent unrest. Avoid the area.
Officials are imposing a 22:00-06:00 daily curfew in Wabag and Wapenamanda districts, Enga Province, through Dec. 15 due to violent unrest amid the Lagaip by-election vote count. The directive comes after several armed assailants disrupted the vote-counting process by opening fire at Wabag Primary School on Nov. 20. Authorities have declared the districts as "fighting zones" and announced enhanced security measures, including checkpoints to and from Wabag, and search operations.
Authorities are deploying additional security personnel to the area; however, law enforcement agencies remain generally under-resourced and are unable to respond effectively. Further violence, including vandalism, arson, and gun attacks, is possible over the coming days. Security measures and checkpoints could potentially cause localized transport disruptions in the affected area, including along Highlands Highway. Banks and local businesses are reportedly closed due to the unrest; commercial disruptions are likely until the fighting subsides. Flight disruptions are possible at Wapenamanda Airport (WBM) if clashes occur nearby.
Consider avoiding nonessential travel to the impacted area until tensions subside. Avoid concentrations of security personnel and protesters due to potential violence. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately. Consider limiting movements until the situation stabilizes; remain indoors during curfew hours. Check with local contacts before embarking on travel to or within Enga Province, as reporting on violence may be delayed. Consider traveling in guarded convoys if overland travel is necessary in the affected area. Remain cooperative if stopped by officials for security checks. Monitor local media for updates on curfew restrictions and road conditions. Heed all official security and traffic advisories.
Local residents in Wabag have engaged in protests and clashes since Nov. 13 to denounce the Electoral Commission's (EC) decision to hold the Lagaip by-election vote count in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, instead of Enga Province. Despite the EC's subsequent agreement to hold the vote count in Wabag, violent unrest has continued as rival factions clashed over the location of the count. Incidents of looting and arson of shops and residences have since occurred, resulting in at least four deaths. While the vote count is expected to be completed by Nov. 22, further violence remains possible over the coming days as tensions persist among opposing factions.
