Fiji Labour Party Leader and former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry is concerned about RFMF Commander, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai’s comments on the reintegration into the military of young officers who were part of the turmoil in Vanua Levu during the 2000 coup.
Chaudhry says the RFMF reconciliation process the Commander is running internally may potentially undermine the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
He says it is the military that must face the sternest scrutiny under the Truth and Reconciliation process, and it is for this reason that the RFMF must work within the framework of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Chaudhry says he is also disturbed by Commander Kalouniwai’s proposed reintegration of the recreant military officers as a form of compensation.
He says these dismissed officers committed serious law and order offences causing great suffering to the mainly Indo Fijians living in Labasa and in the North generally.
Chaudhry says they carried out a mutiny against the very institution they had taken an oath to serve.
He asks would It not be a grave travesty of the military tradition to reinstate them.
Chaudhry says he could hardly see any logic in Commander Kalouniwai’s comments that the reconciliation process within the military will build that image of trust and confidence for the general public to be able to understand that the RFMF has completely reconciled.
He says quite to the contrary, the reconciliation process mooted by the Commander will likely further erode public trust in the institution.
The former Prime Minister says having these soldiers back in the fold will not mend the RFMF’s tattered image but will in fact lead to further instability within the institution, given that many loyal soldiers and their families were gravely affected by the actions of these disloyal officers.
Chaudhry calls on the Commander to revisit his reintegration and compensation comments and get the RFMF to submit to the Truth and Reconciliation process in a transparent and constructive manner.
Sunday 01/09/2024
Given the peculiar nature of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and its internal dynamics and organizational structure, we sincerely believe that a united front within the RFMF is not only a strategic imperative but a moral obligation towards the broader national healing process.
Those are the comments of RFMF Commander, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai after concerns raised by Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry about the RFMF's current internal reconciliation process.
The Commander also says transparency is key in revealing the true orchestrators behind the scenes who manipulated the RFMF for their own agenda.
He says the soldiers implicated from Labasa found themselves in unfortunate circumstances but displayed courage and nobility by admitting guilt and serving prison terms ranging from 6 to 8 years.
The Commander says while the RFMF fully endorses and supports the National Truth and Reconciliation process, their internal reconciliation efforts will continue in parallel.
He says it is essential for the unity and cohesion of the RFMF, including its wider Territorial and Reserve Forces families, to mend the divides stemming from the 2000 mutiny.
The Army Commander stresses that a unified RFMF is indispensable for the success of the National Truth and Reconciliation Process.
Major General Kalouniwai says they appreciate and acknowledge the concerns raised by the Fiji Labour Party regarding the integration of soldiers involved in the 2000 mutiny at Sukanaivalu Barracks in Labasa.
He stresses that it is crucial to address these matters with sensitivity and a commitment to truth and reconciliation.
The Commander says the RFMF wishes to clarify that the intention of the RFMF reconciliation process is not to undermine the important work of the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission, rather, their internal reconciliation efforts aim to provide a pathway for the soldiers to navigate their past experiences and feel empowered to share their stories openly.
He says the question posed by the FLP whether the potential reinstatement of these soldiers raises valid concerns.
Major General Kalouniwai says indeed, it would be a departure from military tradition to reintegrate them however, it is equally important to consider whether continued isolation from society serves any purpose, even more importantly from a security perspective.
He says over the past 24 years, there has been a lack of concerted efforts by any entity to facilitate the reintegration of these individuals back into society.
The Army Commander says during their talanoa sessions with the soldiers and their families, it became evident that together with their families they have endured significant ostracization and lived under the shadow of fear and uncertainty.
Major General Kalouniwai says their suffering should not be prolonged for political motivations, and the RFMF's goal is to support these individuals and their families in transitioning back into normalcy, as they have already served their time.
He says it is imperative for the people of Fiji to understand the truth surrounding the events and how they impacted the social standing of these individuals.
He adds together, we must overcome past differences and prioritize reconciliation for the greater good of our nation.
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