Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his readiness to cooperate fully with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) if summoned to testify regarding his involvement in past coups, particularly the one in 1987. Emphasizing the need for accountability, he stated, “Whichever rank in government you are in, you should obey the summon.” Rabuka’s comments come alongside a public call from former People’s Alliance president Ro Naulu Mataitini for the Prime Minister to remove legal immunity for those involved in coup actions, including himself.
Rabuka noted that the immunity provisions, currently protected under the 2013 Constitution, would require constitutional amendments to be amended or removed, highlighting the complexity of this legal framework. His government previously attempted to amend the Constitution in Parliament, though the effort fell short by one vote earlier this year, signaling the contentious nature of this issue.
The chairperson of the TRC, Marcus Brand, remarked on the need for ongoing reconciliation efforts, suggesting that while symbolic acts, like apologies, are essential, they are only the beginning of a longer process toward healing in Fiji’s divided society. Rabuka’s expressed willingness to engage with the TRC represents a crucial moment in Fiji’s political landscape, where leaders are initiating dialogues about past injustices and aiming for a reconciliatory future.
This recent development reflects an evolving narrative among Fijian leadership, emphasizing a collective willingness to confront historical injustices and restore trust among citizens. It represents a hopeful step forward in fostering national unity and healing, suggesting that ongoing dialogue and accountability can pave the way for a more harmonious future for Fiji.
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