Bainimarama says he won’t front Truth and Reconciliation Commission over 2006 coup

A former coup leader has shown no interest in participating in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), questioning the value of providing testimony on past political upheavals.

Voreqe Bainimarama, former Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and former Prime Minister, made the comments following an invitation by the TRC to share his experiences of the 2006 military coup.

Mr Bainimarama questioned the likely outcome of participating, saying: "I don't think I will. What am I going to tell the Truth and Reconciliation Commission about 2006?".

On December 5, 2006, Bainimarama led a military takeover, ousting the democratically elected Laisenia Qarase government and later assuming the role of interim Prime Minister in 2007.

The TRC had also invited George Speight, leader of the 2000 civilian coup that deposed Fiji's first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry.

Mr Bainimarama maintained his stance that he would not front the commission.