The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is making significant strides towards reconciliation with the Indo-Fijian community by preparing to seek forgiveness for its role in the tumultuous events of 1987. Defense Minister Pio Tikoduadua presented these intentions in Parliament, highlighting the importance of a respectful and genuine approach to this sensitive process.
Tikoduadua affirmed that the RFMF is not only committed to seeking forgiveness but is also carefully evaluating the most appropriate methods for doing so. He stated that any request for forgiveness must be more than a mere symbolic gesture; it must be rooted in a deep understanding of the historical context and the experiences of those affected.
To this end, the RFMF is considering various forms of community engagement, such as dialogues, written acknowledgments, and culturally sensitive practices tailored to meet the needs of the Indo-Fijian families. These initiatives aim to honor the individual and collective experiences of those impacted and reflect intention that aligns with traditional reconciliation methods.
The Minister emphasized that an essential consideration in this process is to prioritize accuracy and dignity while genuinely understanding what the communities perceive as meaningful. The work is still in its early stages, as the RFMF is actively gathering information to form a clearer picture of the events of 1987, thereby identifying effective ways to reach out to the Indo-Fijian community.
With a long-term objective of fostering national healing, Tikoduadua explained that the aim is to recognize the lasting impact of past actions on families across generations, thus establishing a foundation for long-term national cohesion. He reiterated that the RFMF is focused on avoiding empty gestures, seeking instead to foster sincerity in its approach. This commitment to clarity and substance underlines the RFMF’s desire to acknowledge the effects of its past actions authentically and to ask for forgiveness in a manner that is genuinely meaningful for those who endured the hardships of that period.
This initiative marks a hopeful step towards healing and reconciliation in Fiji, embodying the possibility of mending relationships and fostering unity among different communities.