The Republic of Fiji Military Forces held a meaningful Reconciliation and Restoration ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, where both current and former personnel gathered to commemorate the event. The day began with a church service focused on reconciliation, followed by emotional speeches from the families of the victims and a traditional ceremony to seek forgiveness.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, reflecting on the events that unfolded during the coup in 1987, took responsibility for the mutinies and recognized his role in sparking a legacy of discord. He expressed his hope for forgiveness, urging those affected to let go of past grievances: “I pray that God will grant you the spirit of forgiveness, to forgive me and all those who wrongfully obeyed my orders and instructions on that fateful day.”
Rabuka praised the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which aims to foster unity within the nation. Additionally, he offered apologies on behalf of the RFMF to the eight families who lost loved ones during the tumultuous 2000 mutiny. The families shared their stories, revealing the long-standing challenges and grief endured over the past two decades.
Shane Stevens, former leader of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare unit, also attended the ceremony and met with the bereaved families, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and healing.
This ceremony serves not only as a pivotal moment of acknowledgment and reconciliation for those affected by the unrest in Fiji’s history, but it also lays the groundwork for a hopeful future where unity and healing can flourish. The efforts to address past pains through dialogue and forgiveness signify a collective commitment to moving forward as a resilient nation.
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