Former and current senior officers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to ensuring that Fiji will “never again” experience political turmoil.
This commitment 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 featured notable figures including former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Francis Kean, and past senior officers such as Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, Sakiusa Raivoce, as well as current Ministers for Home Affairs and Rural Development, Pio Tikoduadua and Sakiasi Ditoka, respectively. However, the absence of several former senior officers, notably Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, and Ioane Naivalurua, was noted.
Prime Minister Rabuka characterized the event as a chance for military personnel, both past and present, to reflect on their collective experiences and to foster 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 stressed that the objective of the reconciliation was not to blame anyone for previous crises but to establish a mutual commitment to progress. He explained that this act of contrition represents a commitment to acknowledge past mistakes and is an essential part of the broader reconciliation process within both the military and the nation.
The discussions emphasized that the political crises of 2000 and 2006 were not merely historical events but pivotal leadership decisions that left deep scars on the nation. The Commander expressed gratitude to the former officers for their attendance and assured the government that the military would uphold the rule of law.
Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party, remarked that all coups have inflicted significant harm, resulting in loss of life, racial distrust, corruption, and economic difficulties. He estimated that each coup has cost the nation an average of $3 billion, excluding the loss of lives. “If the coups didn’t happen, our economy would be at least three times larger than what it is now,” he stated. He also pointed out the ongoing socio-economic hardships for Indigenous Fijians, stressing that no government has sufficiently addressed their economic status. “The most crucial issue is to stop future coups, once and for all,” he concluded.