Forgiven
“My two younger siblings were very young then; I remember seeing them crying and scared about what was happening,” he said, struggling to contain his emotion.
Thursday 20 February 2025 | 10:09
The ceremony also moved Radini Levuka, Adi Varanisese, who received the 'i soro' from the military delegation, led by the RFMF Commader, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai. On the right is Adi Varanisese's daughter, Adi Salote Cakobau. INSET: RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, greets one of Ratu Epenisa Cakobau's son, Ratu Tevita Naulivou Cakobau, after the presentation on Bau Island on February 19, 2025. Photos: Beranadeta Nagatalevu
We forgive you.
This was the sentiment shared by the family of the Vunivalu na Tui Kaba, Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, as they accepted a traditional apology from a delegation of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), marking a crucial step towards reconciliation.
Led by Commander MajorGeneral Ro Jone Kalouniwai, an RFMF delegation presented the traditional soro (apology) at Bau y esterday, seeking forgiveness for the events of 8, June 2018, when armed soldiers stormed Ratu Epenisa's residence and removed him just a day before his planned installation as the Vunivalu.
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The intervention left lasting scars on his family and the Kubuna Confederacy.
Though unable to attend due to illness, Ratu Epenisa's family, led by his spokesperson Ratu Aisea Komaitai, received the RFMF’s whale’s tooth—a symbol of peace—at Mateiweilagi, the residence of the Vunivalu.
Ratu Epenisa’s eldest son, Ratu Popi Seniloli Epeli Cakobau, was visibly emotional as he recalled the traumatic day.
“My two younger siblings were very young then; I remember seeing them crying and scared about what was happening,” he said, struggling to contain his emotion.
“Not much time was given to my father, who was lying inside his room, to change; they kept telling him to hurry up and move out of the house.”
The ceremony also moved Radini Levuka, Adi Varanisese, who received the i soro (pardon).
“We humans may have different plans, but God’s plans will always prevail,” she said.
“We were planning to return to Australia in January, but when this proposal came, we had to delay our flight and prepare for this day.”
She acknowledged the RFMF’s authority in the past but expressed gratitude for their humility in seeking forgiveness. Major-General Ro Jone, visibly moved, apologised for the actions that had tarnished the military’s reputation.
“It has been a long time since the coup happened, we feel this is a good time to try and mend things and forget the past,” the RFMF Commander said.
RFMF Naval Commander Captain Timoci Natuva echoed this, saying: “The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.”
Ratu Komaitai shared that Ratu Epenisa had wept upon learning of the military’s visit.
“The rain today was indeed a blessing from above,” he said.
“Everything happened in God’s timing, and the chief is in acceptance of the apology.”
Bau is the first village to receive an apology under the RFMF’s Truth and Reconciliation programme.
The military plans to extend this process to other traditional communities, including Rewa and Vuda.
Feedback: Beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj
