PNG: Curfew in Porgera Valley following communal violence in mid-September

Officials are enforcing an 18:00-08:00 curfew in Pogera Valley as of Sept. 15. Access to the area has also been restricted to residents only. A large contingent of security personnel has been deployed to the location. The measures are in response to fighting between rival clans in the area in mid-September which has left at least 20 people dead. The fighting has largely impacted the area near the Porgera gold mine. The violence was sparked by a dispute between illegal miners. Operations at the mine have been suspended.

Heightened security is likely in the area in the coming days. Further violence is likely. This could take the form of communal violence, random acts of violence, or clashes between security forces and armed groups. Additional movement restrictions or restrictions on telecommunications are possible. Protests by community members in response to security operations, official directives, or the recent violence are possible.