Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has stated the importance of addressing the underlying causes of division within the country to foster a peaceful society. Speaking at the Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light Summit in Suva on Saturday, Chaudhry highlighted the need to resolve grievances stemming from the coup era to prevent future unrest.
He emphasized that establishing a truth and reconciliation mechanism is essential for achieving lasting peace in Fiji. “Violence, the breakdown of law and order, and race-based discriminatory policies accompanying the coups have led to deep-rooted ethnic divisions and a loss of faith in the post-coup government,” he noted.
Chaudhry urged for an environment where every individual, regardless of their background, feels empowered to contribute to peace, stating, “This is something we have failed to achieve as a nation.” According to him, the country has not adequately addressed the root causes of division leading to ethnic suspicion and distrust.
While he acknowledged the government’s commitment to promoting peace through United Nations projects, he stressed the need for similar initiatives domestically. “We haven’t invested in creating institutions or frameworks to address the aftermath of the coup or to foster unity among races,” he remarked. He insisted that setting up a truth and reconciliation mechanism is crucial to uncover the truth behind past events, aiming not to point fingers but to heal historical wounds.
Chaudhry called for honest dialogue to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure marginalized voices are heard. He pointed out that Fiji’s diversity is a strength that should not be exploited for conflict. “To achieve lasting peace, we must reinforce a sense of unity and belonging for all, addressing social inequalities and promoting inclusivity across communities,” he added.
The leader advocated for policies that are fair, transparent, and serve the common good, insisting that genuine peace cannot exist without justice.