SUMMARY

Tension between Piande and Sakar clans heightened in the second half of 2024 as illegal miners from the Sakar clan occupied Piande territory near the Porgera gold mine in Enga province's Lagaip-Porgera district. The Porgera gold mine is considered one of the world's top ten producing gold mines and has a history of illegal mining and conflicts between landowners, mining companies, and security forces.

An attack on a Piande landowner in August sparked clashes between the local factions, with both sides bringing in allies for support. The influx of modern weapons, such as assault rifles, has made these factional clashes deadlier. After five days of fighting in mid-September, at least 32 people had been killed, including innocent bystanders. Hundreds more were injured, displaced, or had their houses burnt down.

On 19 Sep, both factions agreed to cease fire and to initiate dialogue to resolve their issues.