It was a significant day for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, as current and former personnel gathered for the Reconciliation and Restoration ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua.

The ceremony commenced with a reconciliation church service, followed by opening
reconciliation speeches by the families of the victims and the traditional ceremony of seeking forgiveness.

Speaking during the event, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he takes responsibility for every mutiny and should bear the blame for starting the coup in 1987.

“All these things began on the 14th of May 1987 and I should bear the blame.”

Rabuka said he began the journey of disobedience.

“I pray that God will grant you the spirit of forgiveness, to forgive me and all those who wrongfully obeyed my orders and instructions in the events of 14th May 1987.”

Rabuka said he is grateful that as Prime Minister he could introduce the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which aims to promote unity.

The RFMF also sought forgiveness from the eight families who lost their loved ones during the 2000 mutiny.

Families of the soldiers who lost their lives also shared the challenges they faced for over two decades.

Former RFMF Counter Revolutionary Warfare or CRW Leader Shane Stevens was present during the Reconciliation and Restoration ceremony and met with the families of soldiers who lost their lives during the 2000 mutiny.