Rabuka: I apologise, but I can’t force acceptance

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he has a duty to apologise for the 1987 coup, but cannot force people to accept it.

Speaking at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing on Friday, Mr Rabuka acknowledged the permanent impact of his actions.

"I have a duty to apologize. Those that are wrong have the right to either accept or not to accept my apologies," he said.

"If I get it, fine. If I don't, it's no longer my burden."

The Prime Minister revealed he gave strict orders during the 1987 coup to prevent bloodshed, instructing commanders to ensure soldiers understood they could not shoot civilians.

"Look very closely. It is a woman. Some hands went down. Look closer now. It's your mother. All the hands went down," he said, describing how he tested his soldiers' willingness to use force.

Mr Rabuka said the events left "a permanent scar" on his soul and acknowledged opening the door for human rights violations that followed.

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