Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube emphasized the need to clearly define the military’s role in Fiji to restore long-term political stability. His remarks came in response to RFMF commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, who stated that the military holds a significant place in the nation’s governance.
Narube commended the commander for his openness, noting that such transparency was previously uncommon within the military. He highlighted that since the coups in 1987, the military has played a pivotal role in shaping Fiji’s governance and social dynamics.
He argued that to achieve political stability and economic progress, it is essential to establish the appropriate role of the military. Narube considered the commander’s comments as vital for sparking this crucial dialogue.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry expressed concerns about the military’s loss of trust among the Fijian people, citing the coups in 1987 and 2006 that disrupted democratically elected governments. He remarked on the military’s perceived inaction during the 2000 coup against his government, which led to a belief that they supported racist factions.
Chaudhry also pointed out that the Indo-Fijian community, who were significantly affected by the coups, require convincing of the military’s goodwill. He noted that many Indo-Fijians left Fiji due to the political instability and mistrust, and reconciling the military’s relationship with this community is a major challenge for Commander Kalouniwai.
He stressed the importance of addressing the complex historical issues to build a better relationship between the military and the people. Chaudhry advocated for learning from the past to secure a more stable future for all Fijians, emphasizing that a well-defined role for the military is crucial in a democracy. He expressed confidence that Fiji could determine a rightful position for the military that benefits both the citizens and the military itself.