Remove Coup Immunity, Rabuka Told

On the 38th anniversary of the 1987 coup, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka  has been urged to remove the constitutional immunity protecting those behind Fiji's past coups-including himself

The call came from former People's Alliance president the Ro Naulu Mataitini, who said Mr Rabuka must back his words of unity with real action.

"Rabuka's gestures of reconciliation- accepting apologies and preaching unity-are politically clever but symbolically shallow," Ro Naulu said.

"If he truly wants to heal the nation, he must lead by example."

Ro Naulu said such gestures "sidestep the elephant in the room: immunity".

"The constitutional clauses shielding him and others from prosecution for past coups remain intact, mocking Fiji's claims to justice."

He outlined a three-part plan that he believes would show true statesmanship and courage:

1. Testify with honesty

"Rabuka must speak openly before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission-not with vague regret, but with full truth about the 1987 coups, their human cost, and how they damaged democracy," he said.

2. Remove immunity

He said dismantling legal protections would send a powerful message. "Yes, this risks his own prosecution, but it would close the loopholes that enable future coups."

3. Step down responsibly

Ro Naulu urged Mr Rabuka to step aside after reforms, but only after securing the endorsement of his successor from the Tui Cakau to ensure political stability.

"That would show he values the country over power."

He warned that clinging to old leadership is dangerous in the face of climate change, inequality, and rapid global change.

"The future demands bold and honest leadership," he said.

"For the TRC to succeed, Rabuka must combine truth-telling with strategic leadership."

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, himself a victim of the 2000 coup, has also called for the removal of immunity protections.

PM Rabuka responds

Speaking in Rotuma on Tuesday, Mr Rabuka said he was ready to appear before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), if summoned.

"They can summon me, I am ready to tell my part," he said.

"It will be a repetition of the apologies I have made over the years and any other questions they may want to ask."

He said his participation would help the commission in making its recommendations to the nation.

TRC speaks out

TRC chairperson Marcus Brand said symbolic acts like apologies do matter in divided societies.

"Symbolic acts help rebuild trust. But truth-telling and listening are also part of individual healing," he said.

He added that reconciliation would be an ongoing task, far beyond the TRC's official mandate.

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