Sitiveni Rabuka during a parliamentary session in October 2024. Photo: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that he will disclose the names of the figures who were behind the two racist coups that he orchestrated almost four decades ago to the newly appointed Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The Fijian government confirmed the appointment of five commissioners to begin work on the truth and reconciliation process, which it hopes will promote closure and healing for the survivors of the turmoil.
In an interview with fijivillage.com, Rabuka said "yes, I will...voluntarily appear" before the Commission, adding that he will likely be the first to do so, "[laying] the foundation of [the Commission's] thought processes."
However, when pressed on why he needed a Commission to reveal the truth about the political upheavals he initiated, the prime minister said Fijians would have to wait.
"I will not give it to you," he told fijivillage.com.
"I want the Commission to get that as an example of what people are prepared to come to them and talk about.
"You are just the press; [the Commission] is a national body. Do not try to promote yourself to be the decision-makers of the country."
Asked about critics who feel the process was unnecessary, given there were other pressing issues needing attention, Rabuka said: "All those be can completed."
"This expenditure on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will not be a big dent in the finances of the country."
Dr Marcus Brand, Chairperson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, at the swearing in ceremony at the State House in Suva on Thursday. 30 January 2024 Photo: Fiji Government
The Commission, led by the chairperson Dr Marcus Brand, is expected to facilitate truth-telling regarding the political upheavals that were started by Rabuka in 1987, as well as George Speight's 2000 putsch and Frank Bainimarama's 2006 military coup.
Dr Marcus Brand, who was appointed with the support of the European Union, will be assisted by four local commissioners: former High Court Judge Sekove Naqiolevu, retired Fiji Airways pilot Captain Rajendra Dass, gender specialist and leadership coach Ana Laqeretabua, and human rights advisor and communications specialist Rachna Nath.
The Commission will begin with a two-week set-up period, following by a three-month preparatory phase to develop a detailed operations plan.
After that, it will conduct its work for 18 months and, at the end of the process, deliver a report to the public and the country's president with recommendations.
"We are aware that this is the culmination of many years of discussions, debates, also controversies, and we are also aware of the very high level of expectations that you have," Dr Brand said at a news conference in Suva.
"Ultimately, this Commission aims to serve the people of Fiji to come to terms with your own history with difficult periods, especially connected with the political turmoil around coups that have happened [and] the disruptions to the democratic process."
He added that the Commission will be independent and open to working with all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, media, and the people of Fiji.
"We will try to make it possible for as many people as possible to voice their experiences, views, grievances and concerns. Our main function is to provide safe and a opportunity for people to share what they have on their mind.
"The purpose is not to put blame and to deepen the trauma and the difficulties but to help the people of Fiji to move on for a better future for everyone."
