Papua New Guinea Attorney-General Pila Niningi has claimed civic leaders, businessmen and members of parliament from Enga province have been providing money to supply weapons and ammunition for warring factions to continue their longstanding feuds in the country's highlands.
While stopping short of naming the figures he alleges are behind the fighting, Mr Niningi, who also acts as PNG's Minister for Justice, urged the courts to ensure swift prosecutions to end tribal violence.
The latest remarks follow the reappointment of the province's resident judge Graham Ellis for a three-year term.
"The tribal fighting in Enga is not caused by petty criminals," Mr Niningi said on Tuesday.
"Leaders are providing funds and ammunition to them. Only when we prosecute them, then we have achieved something."
Underscoring the need for action against those enabling violence, Mr Niningi said a collaborative effort between his justice ministry and the Enga national courts will ensure a better outcome for law and order.
Justice has been a long-standing struggle in Enga in the past due to an often weak judicial system that has failed to confront the proliferation of high-powered weapons.
The National Court, in September last year, was instructed to tackle the relentless tribal clashes in the Wapenamanda district of Enga.
Mr Niningi said the PNG Judicial Legal Services commission's reappointment of Justice Ellis to the court in Wabag, Enga's capital, would ensure a renewed commitment to the "proper administration" of justice in the province.
The Wabag court previously lacked a resident judge, leading to a backlog and delays in hearing cases; furthering a breakdown of law and order, and a lack of confidence in the legal system.
The PNG justice system was once described as "selective, discriminatory, and very slow", allowing individuals, including some tribal leaders in Enga, to act with impunity.
That environment fostered a culture in which individuals often take the law into their own hands.
"Justice Ellis has demonstrated a proactive, firm approach in dealing with court matters, law and order issues, and in ensuring that state officers and employees are accountable and active in the performance of their duties," Mr Niningi said.
Enga governor Sir Peter Ipatas commended the reappointment of Justice Ellis, adding that his recent rulings have led to a reduction in law-and-order problems in the province.
"Enga is a difficult place, and many judges have avoided the post due to the perception of the province," he said.
PNG Law Society president Hubert Namani hailed the move as an "effective use of judicial powers to safeguard the rule of law".
Australian Chief Superintendent Steven Harris has separately been appointed the commander of police in Enga this week. The former Commonwealth police officer brings decades of experience to both policing and public service.
Commander Harris is expected to strengthen the discipline and professionalism within the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in the province.
PNG Police Commissioner David Manning stated officers recruited from overseas, especially Australia, were highly respected for their impartiality.
"There is an appreciation within the ranks of hardworking police and in the community that these Commonwealth police officers are unbiased professionals," he said.
Mr Manning said the absence of clan or provincial ties maintains a degree of objectivity and respect amid complex local dynamics within the province.
Police resources have previously been limited in Enga, making it difficult to combat tribal violence effectively.
Conflicts are frequently rooted in deep-seated land disputes, inequality, and competition for restricted resources and wealth.
