Military Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has expressed optimism regarding the military’s involvement in the upcoming Truth and Reconciliation process. He stated that the military’s primary focus is to achieve internal reconciliation before participating in the national process.
Kalouniwai confirmed that the military has been invited to join the National Truth and Reconciliation initiative, but he emphasized the importance of completing their internal process first. This, he believes, is essential for the RFMF to build trust and confidence with the public, ensuring they understand that the military has fully reconciled before engaging in broader national discussions.
The internal reconciliation process is set to help members of the military gain confidence in sharing their stories during the national campaign. Kalouniwai is approaching this initiative cautiously, believing that well-prepared individuals will be better equipped to articulate their experiences to the national panel, taking into account the challenges of recounting events from as far back as 1987.
While the military’s commitment to reconciliation is commendable, questions are likely to arise concerning the overall process and its potential impact on victims and those who may be held accountable. This journey is expected to evoke mixed feelings, from skepticism to optimism, and it will be crucial to encourage participation from the public.
For the national reconciliation process to succeed, it is imperative that Fijians feel motivated to share their experiences and engage actively. Raising awareness about the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and fostering open dialogue during consultations will be vital in addressing people’s concerns and inquiries.
The reconciliation effort must align with constitutional principles and ensure that all voices are heard fairly. While the military is moving forward with its internal reconciliation, the national Truth and Reconciliation process will thrive on broad participation and constructive dialogue. It is crucial for the community to engage openly, ask difficult questions, and support the initiative to ensure it meets the needs of all parties involved, ultimately facilitating healing and understanding within the nation. Active engagement in the consultation process will be the first step toward achieving these goals.