THE proposed Constitution must acknowledge the violence associated with colonisation and the spread of Christianity.
Fiji National University political science researcher Professor Mosmi Bhim during public consultations on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026, said Fiji’s history was often presented without acknowledging the violence experienced by communities during the country’s early political and religious transformations.
Prof Bhim cited Chapter 1 of the Bill which states that Christianity is one of the founding provisions of Fiji.
“Christianity and colonisation were not peaceful processes in Fiji,” she said.
“They were violent, and this is missing from the Constitution. It’s presented as if Christianity was a peaceful process.”
Prof Bhim referred to the period before Fiji was ceded to Britain, when Ratu Cakobau formed a government and ruled for about four years.
She said Ratu Cakobau established the Royal Native Army, which was sent on expeditions into Fiji’s interior.
“The army engaged in violence to force communities to accept Ratu Cakobau’s rule and convert to Christianity.
“These events are important parts of Fiji’s history that should not be overlooked in discussions about the country’s constitutional framework.”
Prof Bhim said the people killed during the Little War and the Colo Wars deserved recognition, arguing that the historical experiences of communities affected by these conflicts were missing from the Constitution.
