Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his commitment to participating in the reconciliation process for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), which is being led by RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai.
In a media briefing, Rabuka stated that he expects to be called upon in his role as the former RFMF Commander, alongside former Commander Brigadier-General Retired Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and former Chief of Staff Lt-Colonel Jim Sanday, to provide an account of their actions.
Rabuka mentioned that the Cabinet has endorsed the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to develop the legal framework necessary for the Commission, which will operate independently of the RFMF’s efforts.
Earlier, Ro Jone emphasized their intention to finalize the reconciliation process within the RFMF before engaging in broader national reconciliation efforts. He indicated that the RFMF has been invited to participate in the Coalition Government’s national reconciliation initiative.
“We need to build trust and confidence among the public so they can see that the RFMF has fully reconciled,” Ro Jone stated. He outlined plans for an internal process to allow soldiers to share their experiences before taking part in a national reconciliation panel, ensuring they understand the complexities involved in revealing their stories from the periods of 1987 to 2000 and 2006.
Overall, the primary goal of the commission is to promote healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, and trust, fostering social cohesion and unity within the country. The Prime Minister emphasized that the essence of the TRC’s establishment is to assist individuals who have suffered violations in finding healing and closure through sincere reconciliation with those who have wronged them.