The recent release of George Speight, the leader of the 2000 coup in Fiji, along with former RFMF Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit member Shane Stevens, has sparked a variety of responses throughout the nation.
Akeneta Naseka Seavula, the widow of Corporal Filipo Seavula, who was killed by rebels during a conflict at a Draiba checkpoint in 2000, shared her thoughts on the situation. Despite the tragedy her family faced, Ms. Seavula expressed forgiveness towards Speight and the rebels after 24 years. From her home in Nakasi, Nasinu, she stated, “We are all human beings. God Almighty encourages us to forgive those who have done you wrong.”
Corporal Seavula lost his life while defending the country amid a standoff between rebel soldiers and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, following the overthrow of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry’s government.
Reflecting on that harrowing day, Ms. Seavula recounted the events that unfolded. “It was a Sunday, and we were living at the Nasese Police Barracks,” she recalled. Her husband had just left for duty when nearby gunfire erupted, leading everyone to take cover. Hours later, military trucks and sirens filled the area. Tragically, she received the news of her husband’s death from police officers an hour later. “I was in shock… That’s when it hit me, and I broke down,” she recounted, recalling the moment her son appeared.
With three young children to look after after her husband’s death, Ms. Seavula was left heartbroken. “It was painful, but I’ll always be grateful for the support I had during that time,” she mentioned.
Her strong Catholic faith, along with her constant prayer, provided her with the strength to raise her children alone. “Even though what Mr. Speight did was wrong, God teaches us to forgive. And I forgive Mr. Speight, my family does too,” she stated. “Holding onto resentment stops you from moving forward. After losing Filipo, I learned to trust in God’s plan.” Now a grandmother of six, Ms. Seavula recognizes the lasting effects of the 2000 coup on numerous individuals, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness as a means toward healing and national rebuilding.
Corporal Seavula’s death on May 28, 2000, is noted as one of the darkest moments in Fiji’s history. On that same day, rebels attacked Fiji Television Limited, while Prime Minister Chaudhry and several members of his government were taken hostage at the Parliament complex for 56 days.