The Republic of the Fiji Military Forces will present a matanigasau (traditional apology) to the Great Council of Chiefs tomorrow at the RFMF Headquarters in Nabua, seeking forgiveness for its role in the 2006 events that led to the dissolution of the GCC.
GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula confirmed that the Army Commander has formally requested the council’s presence at Delai Nabua to receive the traditional apology.
He says the gesture follows concerns raised during today’s GCC meeting, where members reflected on the past, including the day the military entered the GCC meeting venue in 2006 and stopped the meeting.
Ratu Viliame says the GCC had invited both the Army Commander and the Commissioner of Police to today’s meeting.
While the Police Commissioner was unable to attend, the Army Commander was present.
During discussions, a representative from Serua Province highlighted concerns over the prolonged deployment of Fijian soldiers to the Middle East.
The Chair says many families are struggling with the lengthy periods their loved ones spend away from home, which has contributed to family breakdowns, with some soldiers leaving the force as a result.
He says the Commander acknowledged that long deployments remain a major challenge for the military.
The matanigasau is expected to mark a significant step in reconciliation efforts between the RFMF and the chiefly institution.
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