Papa New Guinea protests: According to police reports, at least 50 individuals tragically lost their lives in a violent ambush in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea. The incident occurred amidst an escalation of tribal conflicts in the region, resulting in a devastating loss of life. 
According to The Post Courier, the conflict arose between the Ambulin and Sikis tribes along with their respective allies. The use of high-powered firearms during the battle rendered entry into the province challenging for law enforcement authorities.
Behind escalating Violence in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea has been grappling with escalating tribal violence since the last election two years ago. Last year, approximately 150 people were brutally killed in tribal conflicts.
Last month, approximately 16 individuals lost their lives during riots in Papua New Guinea. The unrest stemmed from a pay dispute, with soldiers, police officers, and prison staff staging protests in the capital city of Port
Moresby after discovering their pay had been docked without explanation.
Tribal violence in Enga has escalated since Prime Minister James Marape’s reelection in 2022, amidst allegations of electoral fraud that sparked violence nationwide.
Elections typically trigger outbreaks of violence in the country, while tribal conflicts also serve as means to settle disputes in certain Highland regions. In September of last year, ABC reported that police had imposed a province-wide lockdown in efforts to quell the violence.
Last month, a state of emergency was declared
Last month, Papua New Guinea’s leader declared a 14-day state of emergency in the capital, Port Moresby, following riots that resulted in the deaths of 15 people as crowds looted and set fire to shops. 
Violence broke out in Port Moresby after soldiers, police officers, and prison guards protested against unexplained deductions from their pay.
The unrest is happening at a tricky time for Papua New Guinea because it’s caught between the U.S. and China, both trying to get more influence in the Pacific.
China asked the Papua New Guinea government to act quickly to protect its citizens there after two Chinese people got hurt in the riots. On top of that, people in Papua New Guinea are already struggling because of high living costs and lots of people not having jobs.
