Two women, whose relatives were reportedly tortured during the 2006 coup in Fiji, are seeking clarity on how the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) can aid in their healing process. Ruseieli Mua’s brother-in-law, Colonel Metuisela Mua, and Titilia Saurara’s deceased husband, Kitione Vuataki, were among the individuals subjected to torture during that tumultuous period.
Colonel Mua had a notable career as a former military intelligence officer and a politician, culminating in his role as director of the Fiji Intelligence Services in 1988. Vuataki, who passed away in 2020, gained recognition as a prominent lawyer in Lautoka. The women participated in a recent hearing held at the Sugar Cane Growers Council Hall in Lautoka, which aimed at refining draft legislation for a commission dedicated to addressing historical injustices and promoting national reconciliation.
“Was the violence needed?” questioned Ms. Mua, expressing her yearning for understanding and justice concerning her brother-in-law’s fate. Ms. Saurara, a businesswoman and the first iTaukei woman president of the Nadi Bula Festival Association, echoed similar sentiments by asking, “How is the TRC going to heal the people of Fiji?” Her inquiry underscored the significant violence endured by victims of the coup and the necessity for a process that genuinely addresses their experiences.
Another participant, Dr. Mukesh Bhagat, a medical practitioner in Lautoka, raised a concern regarding the TRC’s legitimacy by asking if it had the Army’s approval. Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Services, Shashi Kiran, assured attendees of the Army’s support thus far.
The draft legislation being discussed includes provisions to safeguard the confidentiality of testimonies, ensuring that statements provided to the TRC are protected from being used in prosecutions. The commission is designated to operate independently, with its activities expected to extend over an 18-month period.