Tribal violence over Papua New Guinea mines kills at least 20: UN

Papua New Guinea is experiencing violent clashes between rival tribes in the Porgera Valley, resulting in the deaths of between 20 and 50 people. The fighting is over control of local mining access, with unauthorised miners causing tensions. The government has authorized the police to use “lethal force” to restore order, with a ban on alcohol sales and an overnight curfew in place. Tribal conflicts are common in the region, but the presence of automatic weapons has made the clashes more deadly. The Porgera gold mine has been a source of economic importance, but tribal violence and government intervention have affected production. Pope Francis has called for an end to the violence during his recent visit to the country.