At the Sukanaivalu Barracks in Labasa, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) made a formal request for forgiveness from the vanua of Caumatalevu at dawn. The Tui Labasa, Ratu Jone Qomate, accepted the apology on behalf of the vanua, which was related to the events surrounding the 2000 coup.
RFMF commander Brigadier-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai emphasized the significance of this reconciliation for the soldiers, their families, and the broader community. He remarked that this event held in Vanua Levu was crucial, particularly for those soldiers involved in the takeover of the Sukanaivalu Barracks.
Kalouniwai acknowledged the soldiers’ wrongdoings, stating that recognizing their actions was a significant step for them, especially considering the crimes committed against the state and the RFMF. He noted that these individuals had accepted their incarceration over the past five to six years.
He pointed out that there has been a lingering stigma linked to the soldiers’ past actions, which has influenced their standing within the military and their communities. He also announced that a reconciliation event will take place in Suva involving the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit soldiers, with a major reconciliation event scheduled for November.