At dawn in the Sukanaivalu Barracks in Labasa, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) officially sought forgiveness from the vanua of Caumatalevu. The Tui Labasa, Ratu Jone Qomate, accepted the apology on behalf of the Caumatalevu community. This reconciliation is tied to the events of 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. “The reconciliation held in Vanua Levu is crucial because it involves soldiers who took part in the takeover of the Sukanaivalu barracks,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the soldiers’ recognition of their wrongdoing, describing it as a significant step considering their previous actions that were viewed as crimes against the state and the RFMF. Kalouniwai noted that the soldiers have accepted their incarceration lasting five to six years.
Additionally, he highlighted the lingering stigma from their actions, which has affected the soldiers’ relationships with both the military and their local communities. A similar reconciliation event is planned in Suva for the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit soldiers, with a major reconciliation event scheduled for November.