Former and current senior officials of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have committed to preventing any future political turmoil in Fiji. This pledge was made during a reconciliation event held at the RFMF Chapel in Nabua, organized 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 chair Francis Kean, and notable former military officers including Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, and Sakiusa Raivoce, along with current Ministers for Home Affairs and Rural Development, Pio Tikoduadua and Sakiasi Ditoka. However, the absence of several former senior officers, including Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto, and Ioane Naivalurua, was noted.
During the event, Prime Minister Rabuka described the reconciliation as a chance for military personnel—both past and present—to reflect on their collective experiences and extend forgiveness to one another. He indicated that this initiative was crucial for those affected by the political upheavals of 1987, 2000, and 2006, saying, “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’.”
Commander Kalouniwai highlighted that the goal of the reconciliation was not to place blame for previous crises but to emphasize a shared commitment to progress. He stated that this act of contrition represents a commitment to acknowledge past errors, serving as a vital step toward greater reconciliation within the military and across the nation.
The discussions pointed out that the political crises of 2000 and 2006 were significant leadership failures that left deep scars on the country. Commander Kalouniwai expressed gratitude for the presence of former military officers and affirmed that the RFMF would continue to uphold the rule of law.
Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji party, remarked on the long-lasting damage caused by the coups, including loss of life, racial tensions, corruption, and economic struggles. He estimated that each coup cost Fiji around $3 billion on average, without accounting for the human toll. Narube emphasized the idea that without these coups, Fiji’s economy would be significantly more robust. He also pointed out that no government has effectively addressed the economic issues facing Indigenous Fijians, stating that the most pressing priority must be to prevent future coups permanently.