'Never Again': Rabuka

Former and current senior officers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) have pledged to ensure that Fiji is "never again" plunged into political upheaval.

The assurance was made during a day of reconciliation held yesterday at the RFMF Chapel in Nabua, led by RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai and attended by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

The event brought together notable figures, ncluding former President Jioji Konrote, former Fiji Corrections Service Commission Francis Kean and former senior officers such as Pita Driti, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, Etueni Caucau, Neumi Leweni, Sakiusa Raivoce, Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua and Minister for Rural Development Sakiasi Ditoka.

However, the absence of some former senior officers, including Inia Seruiratu, former RFMF Commander Viliame Naupoto and Ioane Naivalurua was noticeable.

'Never again'

Prime Minister Rabuka described the reconciliation as an opportu­nity for military personnel, both past and present, to reflect on their shared experiences and forgive one another.

"This is the Commander's initia­tive for reconciliation among those who served and those of us still serving, especially those who expe­rienced the upheavals of 1987, 2000, and 2006," said Mr Rabuka.

"Everyone opened up and was well received. We now stand to­gether, put our backs to the sad epi­sodes of our history, and commit that 'never again'.

"I am absolutely positive that the RFMF is heading in the right direc­tion."

A united front

Commander Kalouniwai empha­sised that the aim of the recon­ciliation was not to assign blame for past crises but to find a shared commitment to move forward.

"This act of contrition symbolises a commitment to acknowledge past mistakes and serves as an essential step in the broader process of rec­onciliation within the military and the nation as a whole," he said.

The discussions underscored that the political crises of 2000 and 2006 were more than historical incidents-they were pivotal leader­ship decisions that deeply scarred the nation.

The Commander thanked former officers for their presence and as­sured the Government that the mil­itary would uphold the rule of law.

Narube: Coups have cost the country dearly

Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube said all coups have caused immense damage, resulting in loss of lives, racial distrust, corruption, and economic hardship.

"Some years ago, I estimated that each coup cost the country an aver­age of $3 billion, not counting the loss of lives," said Mr Narube.

"If the coups didn't happen, our economy would be at least three times larger than what it is now."

Mr Narube also highlighted the ongoing socio-economic impact on Indigenous Fijians, noting that no government has adequately ad­dressed their economic standing.

"The most crucial issue is to stop future coups, once and for all," he added.

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj