Former and current senior officials of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to ensuring that Fiji will never again experience political turmoil. 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 attendees such as former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commission chair Francis Kean, and former senior officers including Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, and Sakiusa Raivoce, as well as current Ministers for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua and Rural Development Sakiasi Ditoka. However, some former senior officers, including Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, and Ioane Naivalurua, were notably absent.
Prime Minister Rabuka characterized the reconciliation event as an opportunity for military personnel, past and present, to reflect on their shared experiences and extend 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 goal of the reconciliation was not to blame anyone for past crises, but rather to cultivate a mutual commitment to progress. He stated, “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.” The discussions reflected on the political crises of 2000 and 2006, framing them not merely as historical events, but as critical leadership decisions that inflicted deep wounds on the nation. The Commander also expressed gratitude to former officers for their attendance and reassured the Government that the military would uphold the rule of law.
Additionally, Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube emphasized that all coups have resulted in significant damage, contributing to loss of life, racial distrust, corruption, and economic hardship. “Some years ago, I estimated that each coup cost the country an average of $3 billion, not counting the loss of lives,” Narube noted, adding that without the coups, Fiji’s economy could be at least three times larger than it currently is. He also drew attention to the continued socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous Fijians, asserting that no government has adequately addressed their economic status. He concluded by stressing the importance of preventing future coups once and for all.