On September 23, 2023, Parliament approved a motion by National Federation Party MP Sashi Kiran to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, garnering 28 votes from the Government side and 23 against from the Opposition, represented by FijiFirst party members led by Voreqe Bainimarama. Despite almost a year passing, the motion remains unimplemented by the Rabuka Government, leading to speculation about concealed truths on both sides. Recently released Josefa Nata, after 23 years in prison for his role in the 2000 coup, claimed George Speight was not the main instigator. This revelation questions the widely accepted narrative of a civilian coup led by Speight, raising suspicions about the actual leaders involved.
Several published sources could be integral to uncovering the truth: the RFMF’s Evans Board of Inquiry Report (EBOIR), Dr. Lt. Col. Jone Baledrokadroka’s PhD thesis, and an in-depth analysis by Mark Tedeschi QC on criminal law and social change in Fiji. These sources suggest high-level involvement within the RFMF.
Paulo Baleinakorodawa, a respected peacebuilding practitioner, emphasized the need for full disclosure for genuine national healing, including identifying those behind the coups. Reports indicate that after the 2000 mutiny, the military tortured and killed four rebel soldiers, highlighting significant human rights abuses that remain unresolved.
The RFMF has promised trauma healing programs for families affected by the mutiny but has not addressed the deaths of five soldiers taken from Nabua Police Station. Questions linger about the lack of inquiry into the RFMF’s role in the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006. The EBOIR, although comprehensive in its inquiries, failed to identify key figures responsible for the 2000 coup, revealing a reluctance among senior officers to divulge information.
Baledrokadroka’s PhD thesis points to irregular support from senior RFMF officers during the 2000 coup, citing logistical and administrative backing for rebel soldiers and refusal by Bainimarama to appear before the inquiry board. Evidence suggests a web of complicity among RFMF officers, politicians, and traditional chiefs.
The 2000 mutiny, a significant internal conflict for the RFMF, remains unexplored, with many convicted participants serving long prison terms, while shadow figures behind the scenes face no repercussions. Allegations persist regarding Bainimarama’s conduct and intentions during these events.
With the current Coalition Government of Sitiveni Rabuka consisting of figures involved in past coups, the prospect of a genuine Truth Commission appears uncertain. The trajectory of Rabuka’s Government raises questions about its commitment to uncovering the full truth behind the coups and mutinies. The potential political machinations within the coalition suggest that Rabuka may not rely on the support of all coalition parties to maintain his position.
The evolving political landscape continues to leave many questions unanswered about the true orchestrators of the 2000 and 2006 coups, adding complexity to Fiji’s path to reconciliation and truth.