Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his commitment to participating in the reconciliation process for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), led by RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai. Rabuka indicated that the RFMF plans to summon him, along with former RFMF Commander Brigadier-General Retired Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and former Chief of Staff Lt-Colonel Jim Sanday, to discuss their accounts.
Rabuka noted that the Cabinet has endorsed the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to create a legal framework independent of the RFMF’s efforts. He emphasized that the RFMF aims to complete its internal reconciliation before engaging in a broader national reconciliation initiative.
Ro Jone mentioned that the RFMF has been invited to participate in the Coalition Government’s national reconciliation efforts. He emphasized the importance of rebuilding public trust and confidence in the RFMF’s reconciliation process, stating, “We need to build that image of trust and confidence for the public to be able to understand that the RFMF has completely reconciled.”
He elaborated on the internal process, which will allow soldiers to share their experiences at a national level, focusing on the challenges faced when discussing events from 1987 to 2006. The main objective of the commission is to foster healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, and trust to promote social unity in Fiji. Rabuka reiterated that the TRC aims to assist those who have experienced violations in finding healing and closure through authentic reconciliation with those responsible.