Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently addressed the nation’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, reflecting upon the implications of the 1987 coup he led and the ongoing journeys of reconciliation, economic justice, and accountability facing the country. Rabuka underscored the complexities involved in achieving restorative economic justice, admitting the challenges of appropriately compensating all affected Fijians.
“I do not have enough to give to everybody who wants to claim. So, it will have to be worked out by the state… and spent on how much the state can afford to give out its reparation,” he noted, emphasizing the necessity for a realistic approach to reparations.
Rabuka also touched on the contentious use of religion during the coup, clarifying, “The weaponisation of faith was not really my own idea. For them, the move was just part of getting what they wanted.” He shared insights into the legal framework surrounding the coup, reflecting on the advice he received at the time. “My legal advice at the time was, there cannot be a midway. You have to go all the way. And the only way to go is to sever any type of legal system and get out of the market.”
On the topic of accountability, Rabuka spoke candidly about the personal toll of his actions. “Personal accountability… has left a permanent scar on my soul,” he admitted. He pointed out the collective responsibility borne by institutions, including leaders of the Methodist Church, who had mixed reactions to his actions during that period.
Recognizing the lessons of hindsight, Rabuka reflected on what he might have approached differently. “I would have sought to be a bridge-builder; I would have used my influence as a military leader not to plan a coup but to demand a national constitutional convention… I would have trusted in the wisdom of dialogue over the force efficiency of force. But it is really wishful thinking. We cannot go back and re-run that course,” he expressed.
In his closing remarks, Rabuka characterized reconciliation as an ongoing, intentional decision, stating, “I have made to forgive those who have wronged me,” highlighting both his personal healing and the broader journey towards healing for the nation. His reflections signify a commitment to a more peaceful and reconciled Fiji, a pledge that resonates as the country navigates the complexities of its past and strives for a hopeful future.
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