On the 38th anniversary of the 1987 coup, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka faces calls from former People’s Alliance president Ro Naulu Mataitini to eliminate constitutional immunity for those involved in Fiji’s earlier coups, himself included. Ro Naulu contends that genuine reconciliation requires action beyond gestures, criticizing Rabuka’s previous attempts at showing unity as “symbolically shallow.”
To substantiate his argument, Ro Naulu outlined a three-step approach for Rabuka to demonstrate true leadership: first, to testify honestly before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) about the 1987 coup and its consequences on democracy; second, to remove legal protections that shield past coup participants, thereby closing future loopholes; and third, to step down responsibly once reforms are in place, ensuring political stability.
Rabuka has indicated his willingness to testify before the TRC, reaffirming that he is prepared to share his account and previous apologies. He emphasized the role of such testimonies in the commission’s recommendations for national healing.
Moreover, TRC chairperson Marcus Brand acknowledged the importance of symbolic acts like apologies in fostering trust in a divided society, stressing that truth-telling is crucial for healing. This aligns with recent conversations around constitutional amendments and broad discussions on Fiji’s tumultuous political history, suggesting an opportunity for deeper understanding and reconciliation in the nation.
These initiatives could mark a hopeful chapter for Fiji, hinting at a collective willingness to confront past injustices and pave the way for a more unified future. Both Prime Minister Rabuka’s potential commitment to transparency and the TRC’s ongoing dialogue could symbolize a proactive step toward healing and greater societal cohesion in Fiji.
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