The government of Papua New Guinea is engaging in a controversial campaign to evict communities from informal settlements in Port Moresby, aiming to curb crime and improve law and order in the capital city. However, this initiative, described by Prime Minister James Marape as necessary to eliminate areas he considers breeding grounds for terrorism, has faced significant opposition and complications. With a substantial portion of the city's population—almost 250,000 people—living in these informal settlements without legal rights or basic services, the situation is fraught with tension.

Recent police actions in these settlements have led to violent confrontations, notably at the 2-Mile settlement, where operations resulted in fatalities and injuries among residents. Following this, attempts to evict another settlement in 4-Mile met with a legal challenge that halted the eviction process, creating a temporary pause in the government's aggressive stance. This backlash has highlighted the delicate balance between government intentions to improve safety and the rights of citizens living in these communities.

Anthropologists and community advocates express deep concern that the government's approach will only exacerbate existing social issues instead of resolving them. They argue that without addressing the root causes of poverty and insecurity, simply removing people from their homes is unlikely to provide a long-term solution. As the conflict continues, the debate over the future of these communities and the effectiveness of the government's measures looms large, indicating a potential crisis ahead if underlying issues remain unaddressed.