Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu has criticized the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for focusing more on reconciliation rather than truth however the Commission says healing and reconciliation do not replace accountability.
In a statement, Seruiratu says they continue to support the national aspiration for truth, healing and reconciliation and acknowledge the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the important work it has been tasked to undertake.
He says the role of the Commissioners is complex and emotionally demanding and they recognise the difficult environment in which they must operate and their willingness to serve is appreciated.
The Opposition leader says despite this appreciation, they remain concerned about the direction and effectiveness of the truth-telling process to date.
He says what our people expected was a Commission that would courageously uncover the full truth about our troubled history but instead, very little truth has emerged since the Commission began its work and the focus has appeared to lean more heavily on reconciliation than on truth.
He says for many survivors and families still carrying the wounds of Fiji’s coups, this is deeply disappointing.
Seruiratu says the recent appearance of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka before the Commission has reinforced these concerns.
He says rather than providing clarity and accountability, the testimony presented seemed to shift attention toward personal narratives while avoiding the deeper truths that the nation urgently needs.
The Opposition Leader says they acknowledge that Commissioners must balance sensitivity with inquiry, but the absence of meaningful questioning of key figures leaves many feeling that an important opportunity has been lost.
He says they do not fault the Commissioners as individuals, instead, recognise that they were appointed into a highly complex mandate but it is clear that to fulfill the expectations of the Fijian people, the Commission must demonstrate stronger engagement with historical detail.
Seruiratu says a deeper understanding of the events surrounding the 1987, 2000 and 2006 coups is essential for the Commissioners to conduct robust examinations, especially of leaders and high-profile witnesses whose actions or involvement shaped Fiji’s political trajectory.
He stresses that this process is funded by the people of Fiji and they deserve transparency and honesty and they deserve to know who the real architects of the coups were, the planners, enablers and influencers behind the scenes.
The former FijiFirst Minister says without this, reconciliation risks becoming meaningless and the wounds carried by our communities will remain unaddressed.
While noting the recent remarks by a Commissioner stating that “the TRC is not a court”, Seruiratu says it should not be interpreted as a limitation on truth-telling as the Commission has the ability to hear evidence under oath and to ask probing questions.
He says these tools exist precisely because truth requires careful and thorough examination and referring to the Commission’s role as “not a court” should not become a shield against asking necessary questions especially of those who hold power or influence.
Seruiratu further says in Parliament, the Opposition acknowledged the internal reconciliation work undertaken by the RFMF and expressed appreciation for their efforts but reconciliation without truth is incomplete.
He stresses the government, RFMF personnel, former leaders and civilians involved in past political upheavals must all participate honestly in the national process and if these truths are not addressed now, they risk being lost to future generations.
Seruiratu says the Opposition remains committed to supporting a Truth and Reconciliation Commission that is credible, fair, and worthy of its mandate.
The Opposition Leader adds their call is not against the Commissioners, but for the process to be strengthened so that Fiji may finally face its past with honesty and move forward with unity.
While responding to fijivillage News, the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission says they are an independent body established under the FTRC Act 2024.
They say the Commission was set up for the purpose of truth-telling, healing and reconciliation, with the overarching aim of strengthening social cohesion.
The Commission says they are not a justice commission but provide a safe, respectful and trauma-informed space for survivors and witnesses to share their experiences arising from Fiji’s periods of political upheaval.
They say the Commission’s work is not symbolic and its mandate and processes are clearly set out in law and include structured statement-taking, public and private hearings, and safeguards to protect survivors and witnesses.
They say under the Act, accountability is pursued through truth-telling, recognition and documentation of harm, and evidence-based recommendations aimed at preventing recurrence.
They say the Commission’s findings and recommendations will be presented to the President in its final report.
They also say that the Commission operates within Fiji’s constitutional and legal framework and matters such as constitutional immunities and criminal prosecutions fall outside the Commission’s powers.
The Commission says they cannot override the law or guarantee judicial outcomes and its role is to listen, record experiences and make recommendations that may inform future policy, institutional reform and national dialogue.
The Commission says they are especially mindful of the risk of retraumatisation, particularly for women, young people, rural and remote communities and the diaspora.
They add measures such as women-only hearings, confidential submissions, culturally appropriate outreach and access to psychosocial support are central to its survivor-centred approach.
