Former Republic of Fiji Military Forces lieutenant colonel and current diplomat Filipo Tarakinikini told the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Tuesday that re‑professionalising the military is essential to rebuild public trust in Fiji. Testifying in Suva, Tarakinikini reflected on his service during the political upheavals of 2000 and urged that lessons from that period be used to strengthen ethical leadership and transparency across national institutions.
Tarakinikini said he served in the RFMF in a communications and negotiations capacity during the events at Parliament and described the acute pressures officers faced as the situation evolved. “The situation required balancing military command decisions with the need to protect lives,” he told the commission, outlining how rapidly changing circumstances forced difficult choices. His testimony aimed to explain the context in which military decisions were made, and to stress that restoring the military’s professional standards is a prerequisite for broader national reconciliation.
Beyond internal military reform, Tarakinikini used his appearance to call for greater transparency in how national resources are used and for leaders across sectors to model ethical conduct. He argued that confronting the past honestly and acknowledging the suffering experienced by communities will be necessary steps if Fiji is to move forward. “If Fiji is to move forward, the country must confront its history honestly, acknowledge the suffering experienced across communities, and commit to building trust through transparency and national unity,” he said.
Tarakinikini’s testimony was part of a day of family testimony: his wife, Amele Tabuya‑Tarakinikini, also spoke to the commission about the personal toll the 2000 crisis inflicted on their household. She recounted how the period produced uncertainty, financial strain and emotional stress, and said their children were deeply affected. “We made the decision to stay together and keep moving forward,” she told commissioners, framing their family’s experience as one example of the widespread human consequences the commission has been documenting.
The hearing was chaired by Joaquim da Fonseca, with Commissioner Ana Laqeretabua also presiding. Commissioners have been hearing a sequence of personal accounts and institutional testimonies as part of efforts to assemble a record of Fiji’s recent political turmoil and to recommend measures that might foster reconciliation and prevent future crises. Tarakinikini’s appearance contributes both insider perspective on military decision‑making and specific reform prescriptions centred on professionalism and accountability.
The commission continues to call witnesses and receive submissions as it compiles its findings. Tarakinikini’s dual role as a former senior officer and serving ambassador gives his recommendations particular weight, signalling a push from within elements of the security establishment for changes aimed at restoring public confidence. His testimony underlines the commission’s ongoing task of translating painful memories into policy proposals that address leadership, institutional conduct and the transparent stewardship of national resources.
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