Former and current senior officers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to ensuring that Fiji does not experience another political crisis. This promise was made during a reconciliation event held at the RFMF Chapel in Nabua, led by RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai and attended by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The gathering included notable figures like former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commission Francis Kean, and various former senior officers such as Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, Sakiusa Raivoce, as well as Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua and Minister for Rural Development Sakiasi Ditoka. However, some former senior officers, including Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, and Ioane Naivalurua, were notably absent.
Prime Minister Rabuka characterized the reconciliation as a chance for military personnel, both past and present, to reflect on their shared histories and forgive each other. He emphasized that this initiative was important for those who had lived through the upheavals in 1987, 2000, and 2006. He assured that everyone was welcomed in the dialogue, leading to a united front with the commitment of “never again” to political unrest. He expressed confidence that the RFMF is progressing positively.
Commander Kalouniwai highlighted that the purpose of the reconciliation was not to blame anyone for past conflicts but to seek mutual commitment for the future. He described the effort as a necessary step toward acknowledging past errors and facilitating broader reconciliation within the military and the nation. The conversations acknowledged that the political crises of 2000 and 2006 were critical leadership failures that had lasting impacts on the country. The Commander also appreciated former officers for their participation and assured the Government of the military’s dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party, remarked that all coups have severely harmed the nation, resulting in loss of lives, deepening racial distrust, and economic challenges. He estimated that each coup has cost the country around $3 billion on average, not accounting for lives lost, and he posited that without these upheavals, Fiji’s economy would be significantly stronger. Narube emphasized the urgent need to prevent future coups to secure a more stabilized future for the country and noted that the economic struggles of Indigenous Fijians remain inadequately addressed by the government.