After twenty-four years of mourning the loss of her husband, Lance Corporal Simione Rawaileba, Salanieta Rawaileba and her family have finally found a sense of closure. The significant moment came when former members of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit (CRWU) reached out for reconciliation with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the families impacted during the turbulent mutiny of 2000.
Salanieta lost her husband during the violent conflict between loyalist soldiers and CRWU members, which left a deep scar on her and their five children, two of whom are now serving in the military. She reflected on the ongoing pain felt every commemoration day, stating that despite the gestures of remembrance, nothing truly healed their wounds.
The recent reconciliation brought a new dimension of healing for them. “I always knew that we wanted someone to say sorry or at the very least, acknowledge what happened,” she expressed. “Today, we received that healing through recognition and atonement.”
Salanieta was supported by her son Mulase, who now serves in the RFMF and was still in kindergarten when his father was tragically killed at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva. He noted the emotional weight of the day but emphasized the positive aspect of forgiveness, stating, “God is a God of forgiveness, and this reconciliation is to heal everyone.”
The Rawaileba family praised the government and RFMF Commander for initiating such a necessary program, resulting in the closure they had longed for, acknowledging its significance in aiding their healing journey.
This story not only highlights the personal journey of a grieving family but also underscores the importance of acknowledging past mistakes as a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation in communities affected by conflict. The act of seeking forgiveness and mending relationships serves as a hopeful reminder that, even after decades, healing is possible when love and accountability prevail.
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