Aca Rayawa, a lawyer and former military officer, has made a startling claim on social media, stating that he was ordered to execute Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka during a military coup in November 2000. Rayawa recounted the events of that night, asserting that he arrested Rabuka and his team, but chose to defy orders to kill them, describing the command as a directive to commit “cold-blooded murder.”
Rayawa’s revelation adds to the narrative surrounding the mutiny that occurred at the army camp on November 2, 2000, where he alleges that some soldiers under arrest were later killed. He called for an investigation into those who complied with orders to execute the already apprehended soldiers, asserting that there should be accountability for such actions.
This recent claim emerges in conjunction with ongoing discussions about accountability for historical military events in Fiji, especially the controversial attempts to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Such a commission was proposed in September 2023 to facilitate a thorough examination of past military actions, including the events of the 2000 coup.
The intertwining of these claims with the calls for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission indicates a growing national discourse on past injustices and the need for transparency. Prime Minister Rabuka’s reflections on his past roles and the importance of healing point toward a potential pathway for reconciliation within Fiji. The backdrop of these developments underlines the fragility of peace in a nation still grappling with its tumultuous military history.
With ongoing dialogues about accountability and national healing, there is hope that these discussions could lead to a more unified future for Fiji, where the lessons of the past translate into constructive change and foster understanding among its citizens.
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