The amazing thing that happened today was that everyone knows where they stand and what happened in the past will never happen again.
This is the sentiment shared by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka while speaking to the media after the Republic of Fiji Military Forces conducted their Reconciliation and Restoration program with former senior army officers at QEB in Nabua.
He says today gave them an opportunity to confess and also ask for forgiveness from one another.
Rabuka says everyone opened up and everyone was well received.
RFMF Commander, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai expressed his gratitude to the former officers who attended today's reconciliation service.
He also assured the government that the military will stand by the laws of this country.
Former and current RFMF officers came in numbers to take part in the reconciliation service.
A ‘matanigasau’ or traditional forgiveness ceremony was also accorded to the government to ask for forgiveness regarding what transpired in the past.
Some of the former senior officers in attendance included Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, former President Jioji Konrote, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu, Minister for Regional Development Sakiusa Ditoka, Great Council of Chiefs Chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Ratu Meli Saubulinayau, Francis Kean, Pita Driti, Apakuki Kurusiga, Jackson Evans, Sakiusa Raivoce, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Mason Smith and Neumi Leweni.
Thursday 26/09/2024
By: Navitalai Naivalurua, Vijay Narayan
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces led by Commander, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai held a Reconciliation and Restoration Program with former senior officers today.
Some of the former senior officers in attendance included Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, former President Jioji Konrote, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu, Minister for Regional Development Sakiusa Ditoka, Great Council of Chiefs Chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Ratu Meli Saubulinayau, Francis Kean, Pita Driti, Apakuki Kurusiga, Jackson Evans, Sakiusa Raivoce, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Mason Smith and Neumi Leweni.
They had a church service at the RFMF Chapel before a ceremony and a talanoa session.
The media was invited to QEB however we were not allowed to attend the church service and the talanoa session. We were later invited to the chapel after the ceremony.
Meanwhile Major General Kalouniwai has already urged the RFMF not to let the release of 2000 coup leader, George Speight and Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) leader, Shane Stevens divert them from their mission.
While speaking during the day of reconciliation at the Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Mess yesterday, Major General Kalouniwai said they respect the decision of the Mercy Commission but the RFMF must stay committed to the reconciliation process despite the release of Speight and Stevens.
He says Speight and Stevens release must not move them.
The Commander says the Mercy Commission has followed due process under the 2013 Constitution.
The RFMF says this statement reinforces the RFMF’s dedication to the reconciliation process, emphasizing that the focus remains on healing and unity rather than being swayed by past grievances.
The discussions that followed among the Officers were marked by a consensus that the events of 2000 and 2006—key moments in Fiji’s political history — were not merely historical incidents but pivotal leadership decisions that have left lasting scars on the nation.
Recognizing the weight of these decisions, the officers engaged in a candid dialogue about the ramifications of their actions on families, communities, and the overall fabric of Fijian society.
In a powerful gesture of accountability and humility, Major General Kalouniwai led his Officers to the Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Mess, where he sought forgiveness for the leadership decisions made during those tumultuous times.
He says the motivation of this reconciliation is not for them to find who is at fault or who is the perpetrator of the past political crisis, but for them to find a common ground where they can stand together to move forward.
The Commander emphasized the collective aim of healing rather than assigning blame.
The RFMF says it aims to create an environment where such mistakes are not repeated, and where the values of integrity, respect, and service to the nation are upheld.
In the coming weeks and months, the RFMF plans to engage in further discussions and initiatives aimed at deepening understanding and fostering reconciliation within the military and the wider community.
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