Former and current senior officials from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to ensuring that Fiji avoids future political turmoil. This pledge was made during a reconciliation event held at the RFMF Chapel in Nabua, overseen by RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, and attended by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The event recognized several notable attendees, including former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commission Chair Francis Kean, and various senior officers such as Pita Driti and Ratu Viliame Seruvakula. However, the absence of some former senior officers, like Inia Seruiratu and former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, was noted.
Prime Minister Rabuka referred to the reconciliation as a meaningful chance for military personnel to reflect on their past experiences and to forgive one another. He remarked, “This is the Commander’s initiative for reconciliation among those who served and those still serving, particularly those affected by the upheavals of 1987, 2000, and 2006.” Rabuka expressed optimism that the RFMF is progressing positively.
Commander Kalouniwai highlighted that the goal of the reconciliation was not to blame anyone for past crises but rather to foster a collective commitment to move forward. He emphasized that acknowledging past errors is vital for the broader reconciliation process within the military and the nation. The discussions during the event pointed out that the political crises of 2000 and 2006 were significant leadership decisions that left deep scars on the country. The Commander assured former officers that the military will continue to uphold the rule of law.
Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party, remarked that all coups have caused great damage, leading to loss of life, racial tensions, corruption, and economic struggles. He estimated that each coup has cost the nation an average of $3 billion, not accounting for the loss of lives. He projected that had the coups not occurred, the economy could have been three times its current size. Narube also raised concerns about the enduring socio-economic effects on Indigenous Fijians, stating that previous governments have not sufficiently addressed these issues. He concluded that preventing future coups must be a priority moving forward.