‘Do not repeat the past’: Ro Teimumu calls for end to military intimidation

The paramount chief of Rewa, Ro Teimumu Kepa, has issued a powerful call for an end to coups and the use of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) as an instrument to destabilise Fiji’s democratically elected government.

Speaking in iTaukei during the RFMF’s matanigasau (traditional apology) ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, Suva, yesterday, the Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi delivered a solemn and moving address on behalf of the paramount chiefs and traditional leaders.

"Sa kena siga e dai, oqo na I tuvatuva ni Kalou (Today is the day of reckoning. This is God's will)," she told the RFMF delegation led by Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai.

Ro Teimumu urged the military not to repeat past actions that caused deep division and lasting pain across the country. She reminded the RFMF of the trauma, instability and national loss caused by Fiji’s past coups.

"Me kakua ni vakayacori tale na I tovo e yaco e liu (Do not repeat the events that had happened in the past)," she said.

She called on the RFMF to remain steadfast in its duty to protect the people, culture and future generations.

"Sa neimami masu mo ni maroroya tiko na noda vanua. Me maroroi na i noda tovo kei na kawa tamata e muri. Kemami sa vosoti kemuni na mataivalu. Kemuni na luvei kemami, ni maroroi Viti. (We pray that you will protect us, protect our culture and our future generations. We have forgiven you, you are our sons, please protect Fiji.)"

Ro Teimumu stressed that the RFMF must never again be used to intimidate, overthrow or undermine democracy.

She said the GCC hoped the reconciliation ceremony marked a new chapter for Fiji.

Fiji has experienced four coups — in May and September 1987, in 2000, and on December 5, 2006.