Former and current senior officers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to preventing future political turmoil in Fiji. This pledge was made at 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 prominent figures such as former President Jioji Konrote and former Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Francis Kean, alongside past senior officers like Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, and Sakiusa Raivoce, as well as current ministers Pio Tikoduadua and Sakiasi Ditoka. Notably absent were some former senior officers, including Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, and Ioane Naivalurua.
Prime Minister Rabuka characterized the reconciliation as a chance for military personnel, both past and present, to reflect on their experiences and offer forgiveness. He stated, “This is the Commander’s initiative for reconciliation among those who served and those of us still serving, especially those who experienced the upheavals of 1987, 2000, and 2006. Everyone opened up and was well received. We now stand together, put our backs to the sad episodes of our history, and commit that ‘never again.’ I am absolutely positive that the RFMF is heading in the right direction.”
Commander Kalouniwai highlighted that the purpose of the reconciliation was not to assign blame but to establish a united front for the future. He emphasized that acknowledging past mistakes is essential for reconciliation within the military and the nation. The discussions underscored that the political crises of 2000 and 2006 were significant leadership failures that have left deep scars on the nation. The Commander reassured the Government that the military would respect the rule of law.
Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube remarked that all coups have caused significant harm to Fiji, leading to loss of life, racial distrust, corruption, and economic difficulties. He posited that each coup has cost the nation approximately $3 billion, excluding the human toll, arguing that without these disruptions, Fiji’s economy would be substantially larger. Narube further noted the ongoing socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous Fijians, stressing the urgent need to prevent future coups.