A new dawn broke at the Sukanaivalu Barracks in Labasa as the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) officially sought forgiveness from the vanua of Caumatalevu. The Tui Labasa, Ratu Jone Qomate, accepted the apology on behalf of the vanua, with the reconciliation tied to the 2000 coup.
RFMF commander Brigadier-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai emphasized the significance of this reconciliation for the soldiers, their families, and the broader community. “The reconciliation process in Vanua Levu is crucial, as it addresses the soldiers who were involved in the takeover of the Sukanaivalu barracks,” he stated. He highlighted that the soldiers acknowledged their wrongdoings, which he deemed an important step, especially considering the crimes they committed against the state and the RFMF.
Kalouniwai also noted that those involved had been incarcerated for five to six years, a period they have now come to accept. He mentioned the persistent stigma surrounding the actions of these soldiers which affected their reputation within the military and in their communities.
He added that a similar reconciliation event is planned in Suva for the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit soldiers, and a larger reconciliation event is scheduled for November.