The violence and fear that followed the May 2000 coup showed how quickly people can lose their sense of safety when law and order break down.
Speaking during the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran recalled how she learnt of the takeover on May 19th 2000, while working as a coordinator with the Fiji Council of Social Services.
Kiran says she had been attending a regular business meeting when she contacted the then Assistant Minister for National Affairs to ask about the situation, as a march and civil unrest were expected.
She says she was reassured that everything was under control and there was no immediate cause for concern.
However, Kiran says the situation changed rapidly when a message arrived on her mobile phone reporting that people had taken over Parliament.
She says an event planned for that day was cancelled, and staff were quickly organised to return home.
By the time they left, parts of the city had descended into looting and violence, leaving people experiencing fear, pressure and anguish.
Kiran says people began reaching out for help the following day, with women and children who had been abused among those needing support.
She says her focus at the time was on helping victims rather than identifying the perpetrators.
Kiran recalled how families were forced from their homes and sought shelter with relatives and other communities, while some people who offered shelter were also attacked.
She says she still remembered seeing people in tears, asking for help to remove their belongings from homes they feared they would be forced to leave.
Kiran says the experience raised serious questions about what could be done when people could no longer rely on the usual systems for protection.
Reflecting on the events, she says the crisis also highlighted the impact of political leaders’ words and the need to take public anger and concerns seriously before tensions escalate.
Kiran says there had been warnings and concerns about land issues before the violence, which deeply affected both communities.
She says leaders needed to pause, listen and engage in meaningful consultation when people expressed anger or raised concerns.
Kiran also stressed the importance of understanding iTaukei culture and sensitivities, saying the country needed greater engagement and dialogue.
She says democratic processes must be accompanied by genuine relationships with communities, including farmers and landowners, rather than one-sided engagement.
Kiran says the events of 2000 remained a lesson in the importance of listening to communities, recognising warning signs and ensuring people have systems they can turn to for protection.
