Commander Recalls Fiji’s 2000 Mutiny as RFMF’s Dark Hour
Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto, reflects on one of the darkest days in the nation’s history – the mutiny of the year 2000. Naupoto warns against revisiting such historical pain and advocates for moving towards a more unified and peaceful Fiji.
National Reconciliation and Healing
Despite the passage of 22 years, this mutiny remains a painful memory in the heart and history of Fiji, with the wounds it inflicted on the nation still healing. Commander Naupoto strongly believes that those who participated in the gruesome act should not be allowed to forget it for the sake of national reconciliation and healing.
RFMF’s Duty to Fiji
According to the commander, the primary role of RFMF is to ensure the protection and safety of the citizens and sovereignty of Fiji, even if this necessarily includes clashes with unlawful and unruly elements within its ranks. Naupoto admitted the mutiny was a dark era Fukiji would rather not relive.
The Commander’s Warning
Commander Naupoto sounded a clear warning against any attempts for the recurrence of such heinous acts, stating that the country has learned its lesson and doesn’t wish to revisit such a dark past. He stressed on the importance of maintaining peace, unity, and stability in the nation.
The Historical Mutiny
The historical mutiny of November 2000 marked a bloody period in the history of Fiji, where time witnessed intense in-fighting within the Fijian military ranks. Casualties occurred on both sides, resulting in the loss of several lives. This event left a lasting and deep scar in the heart of Fijination.
The Journey of Healing
Commander Naupoto advocates for a journey of healing by actively remembering the events of mutiny while working towards national reconciliation. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the past, not forgetting it, to ensure such a tragic event doesn’t happen again in Fiji’s future. The journey of moving forward involves painful and honest recognition of these historical events and a commitment to ensure they do not reoccur.
In conclusion, the 2000 mutiny signifies an unfortunate era in Fiji’s history, one that the nation is steadfastly trying not to replay. Fiji has since embarked on a journey of recovery, fostering unity and peace, and the commander wishes that peace and unity remain at the core of its spirit, now and forever.