Former and current senior officials of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have promised to prevent Fiji from experiencing political turmoil in the future. This commitment was made during a reconciliation event held at the RFMF Chapel in Nabua, led by RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai and attended by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The gathering included prominent figures such as former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commission Chief Francis Kean, and former senior officers including Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, Sakiusa Raivoce, as well as Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua and Minister for Rural Development Sakiasi Ditoka. Notably absent were some former senior officers like Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, and Ioane Naivalurua.
Prime Minister Rabuka viewed the reconciliation as a chance for military personnel, both past and present, to reflect on their experiences and extend forgiveness to one another. He noted, “This is the Commander’s initiative for reconciliation among those who served and those of us still serving, especially those who experienced the upheavals of 1987, 2000, and 2006. Everyone opened up and was well received. We now stand together, put our backs to the sad episodes of our history, and commit that ‘never again.’ I am absolutely positive that the RFMF is heading in the right direction.”
Commander Kalouniwai stressed that the goal of the reconciliation was not to assign blame for past conflicts, but to cultivate a mutual commitment to progress. He remarked, “This act of contrition symbolizes a commitment to acknowledge past mistakes and serves as an essential step in the broader process of reconciliation within the military and the nation as a whole.” The discussions highlighted that the political crises of 2000 and 2006 were significant leadership decisions that left deep scars on the nation. The Commander expressed gratitude for the former officers’ participation and assured the Government that the military would maintain the rule of law.
Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party, stated that coups have severely impacted Fiji, resulting in loss of life, racial distrust, corruption, and economic challenges. He estimated that each coup historically incurred an average cost of $3 billion, excluding human loss. Narube emphasized that the economy could have been three times larger without the disruptions caused by coups and pointed out the ongoing socio-economic struggles faced by Indigenous Fijians, noting that no government has adequately addressed their economic situation. He concluded by stressing the need to prevent future coups decisively.