After 24 long years of waiting for closure, the family of Lance Corporal Simione Rawaileba finally experienced a sense of peace. This came as former members of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit (CRWU) sought reconciliation with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and the families affected by the tragic events of the 2000 mutiny.
Salanieta Rawaileba, the widow of LCPL Rawaileba, tragically lost her husband during the mutiny that erupted between loyal soldiers and CRW members. Together, they had five children, two of whom continue the family legacy by serving in the military.
Reflecting on her loss, Ms. Rawaileba expressed the deep emotional toll that each commemoration day brought, noting that no amount of recognition or sympathy could truly heal her family’s wounds until someone was willing to acknowledge the past. “Today, we received that healing,” she said, emphasizing the importance of accountability and acknowledgment.
Present at the reconciliation event was her son, Mulase, who serves as a soldier himself. He was only in kindergarten when his father was taken from them during the tumultuous period at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Suva. “I had to control myself today. It has been a long time coming,” he stated, highlighting the significance of their shared forgiveness and the hope it brings for their family and the wider community.
Ms. Rawaileba conveyed her gratitude to the Government and the RFMF Commander for facilitating this crucial reconciliation program, further stating, “We wanted this closure!”
This heartfelt moment signifies a step towards healing, not just for Ms. Rawaileba and her children but for the community as a whole. The acknowledgment of past wrongdoings is crucial in moving forward and building a united future.
This event showcases how reconciliation can pave the way for healing after long-standing grief, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness in the path toward peace. It is a reminder that the efforts to confront the past are vital for the families affected and for the broader societal healing process.
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