The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has told the Constitution Review Commission that Fiji must fundamentally reset its moral direction, arguing that national healing cannot occur while governance remains shaped by fear, secrecy and impunity.
In its final submission to the Commission, Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said Fiji’s governance had, at times, relied more on dominance than public consent.
“Our argument is that Fiji’s governance has at points in its history relied on dominance and fear rather than mutual consent, a machinery of silence built on legal deadlock and immunity.”
He said lasting reconciliation requires a shift away from protecting those responsible for past political upheaval towards a system based on accountability and public trust.
“National healing is impossible without a fundamental shift in the moral axis, away from protecting the architects of past rebellion and toward a covenant of trust in which the State and the military are once again accountable to the citizenry they serve.”
Major General Kalouniwai outlined three key outcomes the military believes constitutional reform should achieve.
The first is ending institutional secrecy by replacing hidden agendas and routine appeals to national security with greater transparency.
“Replace hidden agendas and reflexive invocations of national security with a transparent relationship between the State and the public.”
The second is establishing a single rule of law where no individual is above legal accountability.
“A society in which no one, regardless of rank or history, stands beyond the reach of the legal system.”
The third is creating what he described as a more adaptable Constitution that evolves with the will of the people rather than preserving the status quo.
“A Constitution able to evolve with the will of the people, not an instrument designed to preserve the status quo.”
Concluding the submission, the RFMF Commander acknowledged the significance of the military’s recommendations.
“The Republic of Fiji Military Forces does not make this submission lightly. We are fully aware that in calling for the dismantling of the framework of impunity, we are asking this Commission to close one chapter of the nation’s history.”
He said the recommendations were made in the belief that confronting Fiji’s past is essential to building a more accountable, democratic and united future.
