Former and current senior officials of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to ensuring that the nation will “never again” experience political turmoil. This pledge was made during a reconciliation event held yesterday 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, former Fiji Corrections Service Commission leader Francis Kean, and several former senior officers including Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, Sakiusa Raivoce, and government ministers Pio Tikoduadua and Sakiasi Ditoka. However, the absence of certain former senior officers, including Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, and Ioane Naivalurua, was noted.
Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted the significance of the reconciliation as a chance for military personnel, both past and present, to share their experiences and offer forgiveness. “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,” he stated, expressing optimism that the RFMF is moving in a positive direction.
Commander Kalouniwai emphasized that reconciliation aims for unity rather than assigning blame for previous crises, stressing the importance of acknowledging past mistakes as part of a larger reconciliation process within both the military and the nation. He noted that the political crises of 2000 and 2006 represent significant leadership decisions that have greatly affected the nation.
Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube commented on the detrimental impacts of the coups, stating they have led to loss of lives, racial mistrust, corruption, and economic struggles. He estimated that each coup has cost the country around $3 billion, advocating that the economy would have been significantly larger if not for the upheavals. Narube also underscored the lingering socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous Fijians, emphasizing the need to prevent future coups permanently.