Former and current senior officials of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to preventing future political turmoil in Fiji. This promise was made during a reconciliation event held at the RFMF Chapel in Nabua, hosted by RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai and attended by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
The event gathered significant figures including former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commission member Francis Kean, and other senior officers such as Pita Driti and Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua. Nevertheless, the absence of certain former officers, including Inia Seruiratu and former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, was notable.
Prime Minister Rabuka referred to the reconciliation as a moment for military personnel, both past and present, to reflect on their shared histories and extend forgiveness. He emphasized that this initiative aimed to foster unity and ensure that historic upheavals, particularly those of 1987, 2000, and 2006, are not repeated.
Commander Kalouniwai highlighted that the reconciliation was not meant to assign blame for past events but rather to create a unified commitment towards future peace and cooperation. He acknowledged that the political crises were critical leadership moments that left deep scars on the nation.
Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube remarked that all coups in Fiji have inflicted significant harm, leading to loss of life, ethnic distrust, corruption, and economic difficulties. He estimated that each coup has cost the nation around $3 billion, and if they had not occurred, the economy could have been three times its current size. Narube also stressed the urgent need to address the socio-economic challenges facing Indigenous Fijians and called for measures to prevent future coups.