A significant gathering took place yesterday, bringing together both young and veteran soldiers of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) to confront the painful history of military coups in the nation. This truth and reconciliation event was marked by emotion as the traditional matanigasau ceremony was performed by senior officers in honor of former officers affected by the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006.
During the ceremony held at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks Chapel, RFMF Welfare Officer Major Mesake Daunitiko emphasized that the reconciliation and restoration initiative represents a transformed and renewed RFMF.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who attended the event, expressed optimism about the RFMF’s progress. He noted, “Everyone opened up today, and everyone was well received.” He further commented on the shared understanding of the past and the collective commitment to moving forward, stating, “We are committed to never again…as the world said after World War II, never again.”
Rabuka praised the RFMF’s efforts to create a new chapter for the military and the government. He quoted scripture, saying, “Whatever had happened is now buried here. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai also highlighted the organization’s commitment to operate within civil law standards moving forward. He requested support from former officers and government leaders for this new direction, affirming, “This is the beginning of something new that we are now committed to.”
Kalouniwai expressed his appreciation to the former officers for participating and contributing to the reconciliation process within the RFMF. Notable attendees included former President Major General Retired Jioji Konrote, former Land Force Commander Pita Driti, Tui Levuka Etonia Seru, former Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service Commander Francis Kean, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua, and Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji CEO Joweli Cawaki.