Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country with stark contrasts—its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage clash with a backdrop of rising crime, tribal warfare, sexual violence, and deep economic disparity.
Foreigners, particularly tourists and expatriates, are increasingly being caught in the crosshairs of a deteriorating security environment, with violent robberies becoming alarmingly frequent.
As PNG grapples with these internal issues, its strategic position in the Pacific has turned it into a pawn in the broader geopolitical game known as Cold War 2.0, where global powers vie for influence in the region.
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Robberies Against Foreigners: A Growing Concern
In recent years, PNG has seen a surge in violent crimes, with foreign nationals becoming prime targets for robberies and assaults. The country’s capital, Port Moresby, is notorious for its high crime rates, and petty theft can escalate into full-blown violent confrontations. Foreigners are often singled out due to the perception that they are wealthier, making them targets not only in the cities but also in rural areas where law enforcement is sparse.
The fear of violent robberies has cast a shadow over the nation’s tourism industry. Hotels and guesthouses often issue warnings to visitors, advising them to stay indoors after dark and avoid walking alone in certain neighborhoods. The lack of safety even for well-guarded foreigners illustrates the severity of the situation. Local police forces are underfunded and understaffed, struggling to control criminal gangs that roam freely, often in league with corrupt officials.
One particular hotspot for these crimes is the Highlands region, where foreigners working in the resource extraction industries have been abducted and held for ransom. While some victims have escaped with minor injuries, others have not been so lucky. The fact that such incidents occur with minimal repercussions speaks to the broader issues of governance and law enforcement that plague the nation.
And despite the fact it is now common knowledge that at least two tourist groups have been violently robbed in the highlands over the last two months, it goes largely unreported. This is undoubtedly to protect the tourist industry, but to what aim and what result?
Tribal Violence: An Age-Old Conflict Exacerbated by Modernity
Tribal violence in PNG is nothing new. Rooted in centuries-old disputes over land, resources, and honor, these conflicts have long been part of the country’s cultural fabric. However, what once involved traditional warfare—using spears and arrows—has now evolved into deadly confrontations involving modern firearms. The influx of guns, often smuggled from neighboring countries or stolen from poorly guarded police armories, has turned tribal skirmishes into brutal battles with heavy casualties.
The violence is particularly prevalent in the Highlands, where clans wage war over everything from disputed territory to accusations of sorcery. These conflicts have escalated to such a degree that entire villages are sometimes wiped out, and local authorities are powerless to intervene. The central government in Port Moresby lacks the resources and reach to impose order, leaving rural areas in a state of lawlessness.
In 2022, for instance, tribal fighting in Hela Province claimed the lives of over 50 people in just a few days. The government’s response was to send in police and military reinforcements, but such interventions are usually temporary and do little to address the underlying causes of the violence. With each conflict, grievances build, and peace becomes harder to maintain.
And this of course makes into insignificance when compared to the riots that occurred over police pay earlier this year which almost turned PNG into a failed state.
Sexual Violence: A Devastating Epidemic
Sexual violence in PNG is among the worst in the world, with an estimated two-thirds of women experiencing physical or sexual abuse during their lifetimes. The country’s deeply patriarchal society, combined with a weak justice system, creates an environment where perpetrators are often emboldened, and victims are left without support or recourse.
Rape and sexual assault are widespread, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices continue to dominate social norms. Women and girls are frequently abducted during tribal conflicts, subjected to sexual violence as a form of retribution or dominance. In many cases, these crimes go unreported due to social stigma and fear of retaliation. Even when cases do make it to court, the conviction rate is abysmally low, with many offenders escaping justice through bribery or political connections.
This culture of impunity not only undermines the safety of women but also perpetuates a cycle of violence that extends into the broader society. International organizations have attempted to address this issue through education and community outreach programs, but without significant reform to PNG’s legal system, the scourge of sexual violence is likely to continue.
Wealth Disparity and a Nation Without Hope
While PNG is rich in natural resources—oil, gas, gold, and timber—the benefits of this wealth are concentrated in the hands of a tiny elite. The vast majority of Papua New Guineans live in poverty, with limited access to basic services like healthcare, education, and clean water. The disparity between the haves and have-nots is nowhere more evident than in Port Moresby, where luxurious hotels and modern office buildings stand in stark contrast to sprawling slums and informal settlements.
For many Papua New Guineans, especially the younger generation, there is little hope of a better future. Jobs are scarce, and opportunities for advancement are often tied to connections within the political or business elite. This lack of social mobility fuels resentment and unrest, with many turning to crime as a means of survival.
The nation’s resource wealth has done little to alleviate the suffering of ordinary citizens, and corruption is rampant at all levels of government. Revenues from mining and oil projects are siphoned off by political elites, leaving communities that should benefit from these industries impoverished and neglected. This sense of injustice has fostered a growing sense of hopelessness, with many young people feeling that their only options are crime or emigration.
Cold War 2.0: PNG as a Geopolitical Pawn
As if internal strife wasn’t enough, PNG has found itself caught in the middle of a new global power struggle between the West and China. The Pacific has become a key battleground in what some are calling Cold War 2.0, with the U.S., Australia, and China all vying for influence in the region. For PNG, this has meant an influx of foreign aid, infrastructure projects, and military assistance, all aimed at securing the country’s allegiance.
China’s presence in PNG has grown rapidly in recent years, with Beijing investing heavily in infrastructure projects, mining, and fishing rights. For many in PNG, China represents a viable alternative to the West, offering financial support without the strings attached to Western aid. However, this growing reliance on China has sparked concern among Western powers, particularly Australia, which has long considered PNG part of its sphere of influence.
The island of Bougainville, which is rich in copper and gold, has become a focal point in this geopolitical struggle. Bougainville’s independence referendum in 2019, where an overwhelming majority voted for independence from PNG, has heightened tensions. Many fear that Bougainville, with its wealth of resources, could become a proxy in the battle for influence between China and the West. Similarly, the Solomon Islands have also been drawn into the fray, with China signing security agreements that could lead to a greater military presence in the Pacific.
For PNG, this new Cold War is both an opportunity and a risk. While foreign investment offers the potential for development, it also threatens to entangle the country in a broader geopolitical struggle that it is ill-equipped to navigate.
Conclusion: PNG at a Crossroads
Papua New Guinea’s security situation paints a bleak picture. Violent crime, tribal warfare, and sexual violence have created an environment of fear and instability. At the same time, the wealth disparity between the political elite and the impoverished majority continues to widen, fostering a sense of hopelessness among the population.
As PNG navigates these internal challenges, it must also contend with its growing role in the geopolitical power struggle between China and the West. Whether the country can chart a course toward stability and prosperity, or whether it will continue to be exploited by outside powers, remains to be seen. One thing is clear: PNG is a nation on the brink, and its future hangs in the balance.