Fiji PM Rabuka apologises for 1987 coup ahead of Summit with PM Modi

Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, has officially apologised for his role in the 1987 military coup that toppled Prime Minister Timoci Bavadra’s elected administration ahead of the third Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit. Rabuka apologised for his actions during the coup, recognising the harm done to the people of Fiji, particularly the Indo-Fijian population. The coup of 1987 had far-reaching consequences, resulting in political instability and damaging foreign ties, especially with India.

Rabuka, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Fijian military at the time, assumed command of the armed forces government and suspended the country’s constitution, establishing a temporary government comprised only of indigenous Fijians. The coup was prompted by worries among some indigenous Fijians about the perceived undue influence of the Indian minority, who represented a considerable section of the population and had great economic power.

Rabuka’s apology is significant since India is looking to improve its ties with the Pacific Islands, with PM Modi set to attend the FIPIC conference in Papua New Guinea on May 21-22. The apology is seen as an important step towards peace between indigenous Fijian and Indian communities, facilitating healing and resolving the wounds caused by the coup. It also sends an optimistic signal to India and the rest of the region, reaffirming Fiji’s commitment to democracy and good governance.

PM Modi is scheduled to deliver an address at the FIPIC summit, announcing a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s ties with the Pacific Islands. With leaders from 14 nations on the Pacific Islands in participation, the summit provides India with an excellent opportunity to develop ties with the region.