This picture shared on Facebook shows discussions including the PNG police commissioner, deputy commissioner, Chief Magistrate Mark Pupaka, among others during the peace talks on 9 March. Photo: Facebook / William Kipongi
The warring tribal groups in Papua New Guinea's Wapenamanda district in Enga Province have agreed to a "three-month unconditional ceasefire".
The agreement, reached in negotiations in Port Moresby, should end killings involving tribes in the Middle Lai, Aiyale and Tsaka Valley of Wapenamanda.
The Post-Courier reports that no agreement has been reached to surrender guns after the leaders began historic peace talks this week.
The newspaper said intense fighting, which began more than three years ago, has left hundreds dead, millions of kina worth of properties destroyed, and thousands left homeless.
"A historic ceasefire agreement was signed last night (Wednesday) between two warring tribes from Enga Province that will completely end killings in Middle Lai, Aiyale and Tsaka Valley of Wapenamanda District," the national newspaper reported.
The factions have pledged to work together with the State and its agencies to bring to an end to their conflict and work towards restoring peace and normalcy in their communities through established legal processes.
They have agreed to cease all warlike, provocative, inciteful, and or disrespectful behaviour that could trigger a resumption of fighting.
