13/10/2026
𝐍𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐚i𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲.
Nayaralagi Village has come forward to share its experience of Fiji’s 2000 political upheaval, reflecting on the grievances that influenced its involvement, the consequences that followed, and the lessons the community carries more than two decades later.
The village presented its testimony before Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) Commissioner Ana Laqeretabua and Chairperson Joaquim Da Fonseca on Monday at the Commissioner Northern's Office in Labasa, providing an account of what shaped the community’s decisions during the events of 2000 and how its understanding of those events has changed with time.
At the centre of the testimony was a significant land grievance. Villagers stated that approximately 3,000 to 4,000 acres of land had been converted into freehold land, which they understood as representing a permanent loss of land belonging to their people.
For the community, the issue contributed to a wider perception that iTaukei land rights and interests were under threat.
The villagers recalled that villagers initially had limited understanding of the political developments unfolding across the country. As information reached the community, they came to believe that the political movement associated with the events was intended to protect indigenous interests, particularly in relation to land.
“At that time, we believed we were standing up for our people and protecting what belonged to us.”
With the benefit of hindsight, however, the witness acknowledged that the community may have made different decisions had it understood the consequences that would follow.
“If we had known then what we know now, we would have thought differently about getting involved.”
The testimony also raised questions about accountability and whether responsibility was applied equally. While acknowledging that individuals must answer for their actions, the witness questioned whether ordinary citizens faced consequences while those in positions of authority were not always held to the same standard.
“Accountability must be for everyone. It cannot be one rule for the ordinary people and another for those in power.”
Beyond the political and social consequences, the testimony highlighted the personal impact of the upheaval. The witness spoke of memories of beatings, fear and psychological trauma that continued to affect members of the community long after the events themselves.
For those who experienced the upheaval, faith and prayer became important sources of strength. The testimony also emphasised the importance of creating spaces where difficult experiences can be acknowledged and heard.
“We carry the memories of what happened, but we also believe that healing begins when people are given the chance to speak and be heard.”
The Nayaralagi testimony demonstrates the complexity of Fiji’s political upheavals, where historical grievances, political mobilisation, individual decisions and the consequences of those decisions intersected.
For the FTRC, testimonies such as this are important to understanding not only what happened, but also why communities became involved, what they believed at the time, and how those experiences continue to shape them today.
The testimony does not seek to excuse unlawful conduct or remove individual responsibility. Instead, it provides an opportunity to examine the circumstances and grievances that influenced decisions while acknowledging the harm that resulted and the need for accountability.
Nayaralagi’s appearance before the Commission is therefore part of a broader national conversation on truth, accountability, healing and reconciliation. By bringing difficult memories and experiences into the open, communities contribute to a fuller understanding of Fiji’s past and to the collective effort to ensure that the divisions and harms of previous political upheavals are not repeated.
