Papua New Guinea: release of archaeologist Bryce Barker and two guides

Bryce Barker (2nd d), who was detained for a week in the highlands of Papua New Guinea by an armed group, is escorted from a plane after his release in Port Moresby, February 26, 2023. AFP - STR

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We learned this Sunday, February 26 the release of a New Zealand archaeologist and two guides in Papua New Guinea.

They had been held hostage for a week by an armed group, which demanded a million dollars for their release. 

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The prisoners are "

" but in good health, underlined James Marape, the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.

Last Sunday, Bryce Barker, an archaeologist of New Zealand nationality, who is a professor at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, was on a study trip to a remote mountainous region, 570 kilometers from the capital, when he was abducted - along with three colleagues from Papua New Guinea.

The authorities claim not to have paid the initial amount demanded by the kidnappers, one million dollars – an enormous sum for one of the poorest countries on the planet.

It is unclear at this time how the hostages regained their freedom – one of them had already been released during the past week.

The Prime Minister just speaks of " 

 ", without further precision.

What is certain is that the armed group is now wanted by the police, in a mountainous jungle-covered hinterland where the central government and security forces have only limited control, and where conflicts tribalism and arms trafficking have increased in recent years. 

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