Meaning: The quote "Fiji had experienced the ordeal of two military coups" by Kamisese Mara, a Fijian statesman, reflects a significant period in Fiji's history marked by political instability and military intervention. This quote alludes to the tumultuous events that unfolded in Fiji, particularly in 1987 and 2000, when the country witnessed military coups that had profound implications for its governance, social fabric, and international relations.

In 1987, Fiji was shaken by two military coups within the span of a few months. The first coup, which occurred on May 14th, was led by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka. It resulted in the overthrow of the elected government, led by Prime Minister Timoci Bavadra, who had become Fiji's first Indo-Fijian prime minister. The coup was largely attributed to tensions between the indigenous Fijian community and the Indo-Fijian population, who had gained significant political representation following the 1987 elections. The second coup took place on September 25th, further exacerbating the political turmoil and ethnic divisions within the country.

These coups had far-reaching consequences for Fiji. They led to the suspension of the constitution, the declaration of a republic, and the establishment of an interim military government. The events also sparked widespread international condemnation and prompted the imposition of sanctions by several countries, as the coups undermined democratic processes and the rule of law. The aftermath of the coups witnessed significant emigration of Indo-Fijians, who feared persecution and discrimination in the wake of the political upheaval.

The political landscape of Fiji was once again disrupted in 2000 when George Speight, a Fijian businessman and politician, led an armed rebellion and seized the Parliament complex, taking hostage the government and parliamentary officials, including then-Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry. The actions of Speight and his supporters were driven by grievances related to indigenous Fijian rights and the perceived marginalization of their interests in the political arena. The events of 2000 further underscored the deep-seated societal divisions and political instability that plagued Fiji.

The coups of 1987 and 2000 had lasting repercussions for Fiji's governance and social cohesion. They underscored the fragility of democracy and the challenges of managing ethnic diversity within the country. The coups also had a profound impact on Fiji's international standing, leading to strained diplomatic relations and economic ramifications.

In the aftermath of these coups, efforts were made to restore stability and democratic governance. Constitutional reforms were undertaken to address the root causes of political instability and ethnic tensions. The formation of multi-party governments and the promotion of inclusive policies aimed to bridge the divide between different ethnic communities and foster national unity.

Kamisese Mara, the author of the quote, played a pivotal role in Fijian politics and governance. He served as the first Prime Minister of Fiji following its independence from British colonial rule in 1970 and later as its President. Mara's leadership and statesmanship were instrumental in navigating Fiji through the turbulent periods of military coups and their aftermath, as he sought to uphold the principles of democracy, stability, and inclusivity.

In conclusion, the quote by Kamisese Mara encapsulates the tumultuous experiences of Fiji in the wake of the military coups of 1987 and 2000. These events left an indelible mark on the country's political and social landscape, prompting introspection, reforms, and efforts to forge a united and inclusive future for all Fijians.