08/01/2026
Peace, Unity, and Reconciliation – Imilhoma, Upper Lai Lai Valley LLG.
At Imilhoma in the Upper Lai Lai Valley LLG, our communities came together to witness and participate in a historic Peace and Reconciliation Ceremony. This gathering marked a renewed commitment by all parties to put aside past conflicts, forgive one another, and move forward together in unity and harmony.
The reconciliation addressed long-standing issues dating back to 1994, demonstrating the power of leadership, dialogue, tradition, and faith in restoring relationships. Mak and Pui, Temin, Paip and Pui, Ogol and Pui, Keprop and Lem, and Mesur and Mesur have all reconciled, reflecting the genuine desire of the communities to rebuild trust and live in peace. The Kengup and Kombrop tribes were absent, but the door remains open for their participation in future reconciliation efforts.
During the ceremony, the youths played a key role by uprooting Maruana and presenting it as a symbol of offering to God, showing their respect for tradition and commitment to peace. One of the most significant aspects of this reconciliation was the one-week crusade, which united all participants in spiritual reflection, worship, and prayer. This crusade sought God’s guidance, blessings, and continued peace among the tribes, and strengthened the bonds of understanding, forgiveness, and communal harmony.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Vice Minister for State-Owned Enterprises (SOE), Hon. Raphael Tonpi, who delivered a strong and inspiring message emphasizing the importance of peace, unity, respect, and cooperation as the foundation for community development and long-term stability. His words reminded everyone that lasting progress can only be achieved when communities live together in harmony, guided by faith and mutual respect.
The people of Upper Lai and community leaders expressed their sincere gratitude to Hon. Raphael Tonpi for hosting this historic reconciliation ceremony through the one-week crusade. His leadership, commitment, and support were pivotal in bringing the communities together and fostering lasting peace and unity.
This reconciliation demonstrates that peace is our collective responsibility and unity is our strength. When we choose dialogue over conflict, cooperation over division, and faith over bitterness, we create opportunities for growth, stability, and prosperity. Let us continue to nurture this peace, respect one another, and teach our young people the values of forgiveness, dialogue, faith, and togetherness.
May the spirit of peace, unity, and reconciliation continue to guide our communities and strengthen relationships across the Upper Lai Lai Valley LLG. God bless our people and our land. 🙏🤝
Peace in upper Lai...