Former and current senior officials of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to preventing Fiji from experiencing political turmoil in the future. This pledge 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 prominent figures such as former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commission head Francis Kean, and several past senior officers including Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, Sakiusa Raivoce, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua, and Minister for Rural Development Sakiasi Ditoka. Notably absent were several former senior officials, including Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, and Ioane Naivalurua.
Prime Minister Rabuka characterized the reconciliation as a moment for military personnel, both past and present, to reflect on their collective experiences and offer forgiveness to one another. 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 emphasized that the purpose of the reconciliation was not to assign blame for past crises but to establish a shared commitment moving forward. He noted, “This act of contrition symbolizes a commitment to acknowledge past mistakes and serves as an essential step in the broader process of reconciliation within the military and the nation as a whole.” Discussions highlighted that the political crises of 2000 and 2006 were significant leadership decisions that left deep scars on the nation. The Commander expressed gratitude to former officers for their presence and assured the government that the military would uphold the rule of law.
Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party, stated that all coups have inflicted significant harm, including loss of life, racial distrust, corruption, and economic struggles. “Some years ago, I estimated that each coup cost the country an average of $3 billion, not counting the loss of lives,” Narube stated. He asserted that without the coups, the Fijian economy would be substantially larger today. Narube also pointed out the ongoing socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous Fijians, emphasizing that no government has sufficiently addressed their economic circumstances. He concluded with a call to permanently prevent future coups.