Intergroup War Prevention Strategy — Can It Work in Papua New Guinea?

Abstract

The Counter-Terrorism Act 2024 (CTA) was unanimously passed in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) parliament on 28 November 2024. It repealed the Internal Security Act 1993 (ISA), which was enacted to prevent acts of terrorism and through which government could designate ‘proscribed organizations’. The ISA was never enforced, because the Supreme Court found it inconsistent with due process provisions of section 42 of the Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. The CTA created an entity called the Counter- Terrorism Joint Security Taskforce and expanded the surveillance powers of law enforcement. Under section 17 of the CTA, the Commissioner of Police can direct telecommunication providers to supply intelligence to prevent or respond to potential offences. Social media platforms and telecommunication devices are now used by criminals to coordinate crime. Hence, the CTA focuses on the surveillance capabilities of law enforcement through telecommunication providers. When Prime Minister James Marape introduced the bill in October 2024, he touted it as ‘a tough law that allows police to be proactive rather than reactive’ (Post-Courier 24/10/2024). This In Brief critiques the CTA and proposes instead that stakeholders make a collective effort towards addressing intergroup warfare as a matter of national importance.