Former and current senior officials of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to ensuring that Fiji never experiences political turmoil again. This pledge was made during 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 notable personalities such as former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commission head Francis Kean, and several former senior officers. However, the absence of some key figures, including Inia Seruiratu and former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, was noted.
Prime Minister Rabuka characterized the reconciliation as an important opportunity for military personnel, both retired and active, to reflect on their shared past and offer forgiveness. He emphasized that this was part of the Commander’s initiative aimed at healing relations, especially for those affected by the upheavals of 1987, 2000, and 2006. “Everyone opened up and was well received,” he stated, asserting a collective commitment to ensure such events do not repeat in the future.
Commander Kalouniwai reinforced that the reconciliation effort was not intended to assign blame for past crises but rather to establish a mutual commitment to progress. He described the act as a crucial step toward acknowledging past mistakes and fostering unity both within the military and the broader nation.
In a related discussion, Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube expressed that past coups have severely damaged the nation. He estimated that each coup has cost Fiji around $3 billion, not considering the loss of lives, and pointed out that the economy would likely be much larger if these events had not occurred. Narube also noted the continuing socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous Fijians, calling for efforts to prevent future coups.