Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his commitment to participating in the reconciliation process of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), which is being led by RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai.
In a media briefing, Rabuka mentioned that the RFMF plans to call upon him, along with former RFMF Commander Brigadier-General Retired Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and former Chief of Staff Lt-Colonel Jim Sanday, to provide their accounts.
Rabuka noted that the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to create a legal framework for the initiative, which will operate separately from the RFMF’s efforts.
Earlier, Ro Jone indicated that the RFMF aims to complete its reconciliation process before engaging in a broader national reconciliation effort. He stated that the RFMF has been invited to join the Coalition Government’s national reconciliation process.
“We need to build trust and confidence among the public to demonstrate that the RFMF has fully reconciled,” Ro Jone explained. “Our initial internal process will allow soldiers to share their experiences at a national level later. It is crucial to conduct our process first to prepare them for potential involvement in a national reconciliation panel, ensuring they understand the parameters and challenges of sharing their stories from the years 1987 to 2000, and in 2006.”
The primary objective of the TRC is to foster healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, and trust, promoting social cohesion and unity within the country. The Prime Minister emphasized that the essence of the TRC is to assist those who have suffered violations to achieve healing and closure through authentic reconciliation with the offenders.