Former and current high-ranking officials of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to ensuring that Fiji is “never again” subjected to political turmoil. This pledge was made during a reconciliation event held at the RFMF Chapel in Nabua, organized by RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in attendance.
The gathering included prominent figures such as former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Francis Kean, and various former senior military officers, including Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, and Sakiusa Raivoce. Current ministers Pio Tikoduadua and Sakiasi Ditoka also participated. However, the absence of notable former officers like Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, and Ioane Naivalurua was noticeable.
Prime Minister Rabuka characterized the reconciliation as a vital chance for military personnel, both past and present, to reflect on their collective experiences and extend forgiveness to one another. He stated, “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 reiterated that the goal of reconciliation was to avoid blaming past crises and instead foster a united commitment to progress. He remarked that this act symbolizes a commitment to acknowledge past mistakes and is a crucial step toward reconciliation both within the military and for the nation overall. He expressed his gratitude to former officers for their attendance and assured the Government that the military would maintain the rule of law.
Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube emphasized the deep and detrimental impact of coups in Fiji, stating they have resulted in loss of life, racial distrust, corruption, and economic challenges. He estimated that each coup has cost the country an average of $3 billion, excluding the human cost, and projected that the economy could have been three times larger without these events. Narube also raised concerns about the ongoing socio-economic hardships faced by Indigenous Fijians, asserting that no government has adequately addressed their economic situation. He concluded by stressing the imperative to prevent future coups, “once and for all.”