On September 23, 2023, Parliament approved a motion by National Federation Party MP Sashi Kiran to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The motion passed with 28 votes in favor from the Government and 23 votes against from the opposition FijiFirst party, led by Voreqe Bainimarama. Nearly a year later, the Rabuka Government has yet to act on this motion.
Josefa Nata, who was recently released after 23 years in prison for his role in the 2000 coup, disclosed to Island Business magazine that George Speight was not the main orchestrator of the coup, suggesting instead that higher powers were involved. This raises questions about the true leaders of the 2000 coup. Three published sources could provide insights:
– The RFMF’s Evans Board of Inquiry Report (EBOIR)
– Dr. Lt. Col. Jone Baledrokadroka’s PhD thesis on the role of the military in Fijian politics
– A detailed article by Mark Tedeschi QC in the Australia Law Journal on the events of 2000
Peacebuilding practitioner Paulo Baleinakorodawa stressed the importance of full disclosure for national healing, acknowledging that uncovering the truth may bring out difficult facts. For example, Islands Business reported that four rebel soldiers were tortured and killed by the military after the mutiny was suppressed. The identities and orders of those responsible remain unknown.
RFMF Commander announced a trauma healing program for families of three CRW soldiers killed during the 2000 mutiny. Yet, there is no similar program for the families of the five CRW soldiers taken from Nabua Police Station and killed. Questions remain as to why there has never been an independent inquiry into the military’s failures during the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006.
Baledrokadroka’s PhD thesis underscores the inconsistent support from senior RFMF officers during the 2000 coup. Evidence includes the continued supply of essentials and payment of rebel soldiers, and prior knowledge of the coup among senior officers. Commodore Bainimarama himself has been criticized for his handling of the coup, including his decision to leave the country despite knowing of the planned takeover.
The true leaders behind the coup remain undisclosed, leaving questions about Bainimarama’s actions and the RFMF’s role. There has been no inquiry into the deaths of CRW soldiers or the 2000 mutiny, and shadowy figures behind these events have not been exposed.
The trajectory of the Coalition Government led by Sitiveni Rabuka remains uncertain, especially given the inclusion of individuals convicted after the 2000 coup. The potential for establishing a genuine Truth Commission on the 2000 coup and mutiny remains to be seen.