Former and current senior officials of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to preventing future political turmoil in Fiji. This pledge was made during a reconciliation event held at the RFMF Chapel in Nabua, which was led by RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai and attended by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The gathering included notable attendees such as former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commission head Francis Kean, and various former senior officers including Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, Sakiusa Raivoce, along with Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua and Minister for Rural Development Sakiasi Ditoka. Some former senior RFMF officials, including Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, and Ioane Naivalurua, were notably absent.
Prime Minister Rabuka characterized the reconciliation as a moment for military members, both past and present, to reflect on their shared experiences and extend forgiveness. “This initiative for reconciliation is crucial for those who have served and those of us still serving, especially regarding the upheavals that occurred in 1987, 2000, and 2006,” remarked Mr. Rabuka. He expressed confidence that the RFMF is moving in a positive direction, emphasizing a collective commitment to ensure that such political crises do not occur again.
Commander Kalouniwai highlighted that the purpose of the reconciliation was not to place blame for past crises but to seek a collective commitment for progress. He described the gathering as an essential step toward acknowledging past mistakes and fostering reconciliation within both the military and the nation.
Additionally, Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube stated that all coups historically have inflicted significant harm on the country, leading to loss of life, racial discord, corruption, and economic difficulties. He noted his belief that each coup has cost Fiji an estimated average of $3 billion, excluding the impact on lives lost, and he emphasized the need to address the ongoing socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous Fijians.
Narube stressed the importance of preventing future coups decisively, indicating that without the interruptions of past coups, Fiji’s economy would have flourished substantially more than it currently does.