Papua New Guinea is officially a democratic country that remains a realm of Queen Elizabeth II. But many academics call it a “disorderly democracy”, because too many people here live in extreme poverty and belong to various raskol groups (criminals).
Local gang culture makes Port Moresby, the capital of the country, the crime city well-known all over the world. The country is highly corrupted. Law and order crumbles, and gangs are often the frontline to survival for Papua New Guinea citizens.
80% of youth are unemployed, and about one third of the population has to live on less than $1.25 a day. No wonder that young people leave schools, carry guns and fight for their lives.
Photographer Stephen Dupont created a series of portraits of gang culture known as Kips Kaboni (Red Devils) that shows the real face of Papua New Guinea democracy.