The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Fiji needs to recognize the country’s historical grievances that date back to the colonial period. Litiana Lagibalavu, a member of the ‘Alliance for Future Generations’, stated that the past coups in Fiji are rooted in the trauma inflicted by colonizers. She highlighted the significance of acknowledging the history from the colonial era in the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to effectively address the nation’s ongoing challenges.
“As young people, we’ve grown up hearing stories about Fiji’s tumultuous past, including the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006,” Ms. Lagibalavu remarked. She described the establishment of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a courageous and vital step toward realizing this objective, emphasizing their strong support for this important initiative.
She further noted that the TRC must understand that Fiji’s conflicts, encompassing the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006, are symptoms of deeper, systemic issues stemming from the colonial era. Ms. Lagibalavu mentioned that Fiji’s cession to Great Britain in 1874 marked the beginning of a colonial period that created significant societal divisions.
During British rule, the introduction of indentured Indian laborers—referred to as girmitiya—and their segregation from the indigenous Fijians contributed to ongoing ethnic tensions, according to her. She elaborated that these laborers endured harsh working conditions and were largely separated from the indigenous populace, who remained within their traditional village structures. This division nurtured mistrust and rivalry between the communities, which has persisted over the years, leading to future ethnic conflicts.
“The colonial legacy of social and political division along ethnic lines has been a critical factor in Fiji’s instability since independence, including the coups of ‘87, 2000, and 2006,” she added. The scars left from this exploitation continue to be felt today, impacting not only the descendants of those who suffered but the broader society as well.
She emphasized the notion of intergenerational trauma, pointing out that the effects of colonial exploitation and societal division endure in modern times. Ms. Lagibalavu argued that the TRC provides a vital opportunity to address these historical grievances and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
She envisioned a future where Fiji’s diversity is celebrated, conflicts are settled through dialogue rather than violence, and every citizen experiences a true sense of belonging. “We (Alliance for Future Generations) regard the TRC as a crucial step toward confronting deep-seated injustices and fostering national unity and peace,” she concluded.