Sitiveni Rabuka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sitiveni Rabuka
CF, OBE, MSD
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Rabuka in 2023
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| Prime Minister of Fiji | |
| Assumed office 24 December 2022 |
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| President |
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| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Frank Bainimarama |
| In office 2 June 1992 – 19 May 1999 |
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| President |
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| Deputy | Filipe Bole Timoci Vesikula Taufa Vakatale |
| Preceded by | Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara |
| Succeeded by | Mahendra Chaudhry |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 26 November 2018 – 7 December 2020 |
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| Prime Minister | Frank Bainimarama |
| Preceded by | Teimumu Kepa |
| Succeeded by | Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu |
| 1st Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs | |
| In office 1999–2001 |
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| Preceded by | Ratu Finau Mara |
| Succeeded by | Ratu Epeli Ganilau |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji | |
| In office July 1991 – 1992 Serving with Josefata Kamikamica
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| Prime Minister | Kamisese Mara |
| Succeeded by | Tomasi Vakatora |
| 5th Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces | |
| In office 1987 – April 1991 |
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| Preceded by | Ratu Epeli Nailatikau |
| Succeeded by | Ratu Epeli Ganilau |
| Chairman of the Cakaudrove Provincial Council | |
| In office 24 May 2001 – 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Ratu Inoke Kubuabola |
| Succeeded by | Emitai Boladuadua |
| Leader of SODELPA | |
| In office 24 June 2016 – 28 November 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Teimumu Kepa |
| Succeeded by | Viliame Gavoka |
| Member for Cakaudrove West | |
| In office 1999–2001 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Manasa Tugia |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 13 September 1948 Nakobo, Cakaudrove, Colony of Fiji |
| Political party | People's Alliance (2021–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
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| Spouse |
Suluweti Tuiloma
(m. 1975) |
| Nicknames |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
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| Branch/service | Fijian Army |
| Years of service | 1968–1991 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | Fijian Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Lebanese Civil War |
| Awards |
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Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka (born 13 September 1948) is a well-known Fijian politician, former soldier, and sportsman. He has served as the Prime Minister of Fiji since December 24, 2022. He was also Prime Minister from 1992 to 1999.
In 1987, he was involved in two military actions that changed the government. He also served as the Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs from 1999 to 2001. Later, he chaired the Cakaudrove Provincial Council from 2001 to 2008.
In 2016, Rabuka became the leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA). After the 2018 election, he became the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. He later left SODELPA and formed a new political party called the People's Alliance in 2020. This new party competed in the 2022 election.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sitiveni Rabuka grew up in the village of Drekeniwai, located in eastern Viti Levu, which is Fiji's largest island. His parents were Kolinio Epeli Vanuacicila Rabuka and Salote Lomaloma Rabuka.
He attended Queen Victoria School, where he was the head boy in his final year. Rabuka also showed talent in sports. He represented Fiji in various track and field events, including shot put, hammer throw, discus, and the decathlon, at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games. He also played for the Fiji national rugby union team in the 1970s.
Military Career
Rabuka began his military training in New Zealand army schools, finishing in 1973. He then completed a special course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. He continued his studies at the Indian Defence Services Staff College in 1979 and the Australian Joint Services Staff College in 1982.
From 1980 to 1981, he worked as a senior operations manager for UNIFIL peacekeeping troops in Lebanon. When he returned to Fiji, he was made Army Chief of Staff. He also served as an operations and training officer for the Fijian army from 1982 to 1987. During this time, he commanded the Fijian Battalion as part of a peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula from 1983 to 1985.
For his service in Lebanon, Rabuka received the Legion of Honour in 1980. He was also made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1981.
Changes in Government in 1987
In 1987, Sitiveni Rabuka, who was a colonel at the time, became widely known when he led two military actions. These actions changed the government in Fiji. The first event happened on May 14, 1987. After an election brought a government led by people of Indian descent to power, Rabuka took control. He then handed power to the governor-general, Penaia Ganilau.
However, when Ganilau tried to bring back the old rules, Rabuka led a second action on September 28, 1987. On October 7, he announced that Fiji would become a republic, ending its connection to the British Monarchy. On December 5, he gave power to a temporary government led by Ganilau as President and Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara as Prime Minister. Rabuka remained the Commander of the Army and also held other government roles.
In 2006, Rabuka expressed regret for his role in these events, calling them "democratically wrong."
Political Career
Prime Minister of Fiji (1992–1999)
In April 1991, Rabuka left his military role to join the government of Kamisese Mara as one of the Deputy Prime Ministers. A new constitution was adopted in 1990, which aimed to give more political power to ethnic Fijians. Rabuka was chosen to lead the new Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei party in 1991.
This party won the parliamentary election in 1992, and Rabuka became the Prime Minister. His government faced challenges, including a leadership contest. In 1994, some members left his party, causing him to lose his majority in parliament. To solve this, an early election was held in 1994. Rabuka's party won the most seats but not a full majority. He then formed a partnership with the General Voters Party. He also worked with leaders from the Indo-Fijian community to create a new Constitution, which changed some rules that had favored indigenous Fijians.
In the 1999 elections, Rabuka's party lost, and he was replaced by Mahendra Chaudhry, who became Fiji's first Prime Minister of Indian descent.
After the 1999 Election
After losing the election, Rabuka was chosen as the Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs. However, he had to leave this position in 2001. This happened after former President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara made statements about Rabuka's possible involvement in the Fiji coup of 2000. This event had removed both Mara and Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry from power.
2006 Parliamentary Election
In early 2005, Rabuka initially said he would not run in the 2006 parliamentary election. However, he later reconsidered after people asked him to help unite all ethnic Fijian parties for the election. He believed that political unity among indigenous Fijians was important to prevent a government led by Indo-Fijians.
He also stated that he thought former Prime Ministers who lose elections should not run again, as it could lead to instability. Rabuka decided not to run in the 2006 election, and his party only put forward one candidate.
2006 Changes in Government
On December 5, 2006, Laisenia Qarase was removed as Prime Minister in another change of government. Rabuka commented that he did not see Qarase returning to power. He said that Qarase and the then-President Ratu Josefa Iloilo had not done enough to prevent the change by talking with the military.
After this event, Rabuka criticized the military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, for not holding elections. He believed Bainimarama wanted to keep certain groups from governing.
2014 Parliamentary Election
After the 2006 events, Rabuka generally kept a low profile. However, in June 2013, he announced that he would consider running in the 2014 national elections. He sought to lead the newly formed Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), but he was not chosen for the role. He also tried to be a parliamentary candidate for the party, but SODELPA decided not to nominate him. Despite this, he remained a member and supporter of the party.
Leader of the Opposition and 2018 Parliamentary Election
In June 2016, Ro Teimumu Kepa stepped down as leader of SODELPA, and Sitiveni Rabuka took her place. Rabuka then led the party into the 2018 elections.
Rabuka received 77,040 votes in the election, winning a seat in parliament. After the election, he became the Leader of the Opposition.
In May 2020, SODELPA faced a temporary suspension for not following certain rules. This meant Rabuka could not act as the party leader during that time. The suspension was lifted in June 2020.
2020 SODELPA Leadership Contest
On November 27, 2020, Rabuka was replaced as SODELPA leader after a leadership vote. Viliame Gavoka was chosen as the new leader. Rabuka denied rumors that he would form a new party and said he would continue to support SODELPA.
On December 7, Rabuka resigned from Parliament and his role as Opposition Leader. He made this announcement during a parliamentary session.
Prime Minister of Fiji (2022–present)
In 2021, Rabuka formed a new political party called the People's Alliance (PA). This party ran in the 2022 election. The People's Alliance became the second-largest party. They successfully formed a government by joining with SODELPA and the National Federation Party (NFP), ending Frank Bainimarama's 16 years in power.
Rabuka was then sworn in as Prime Minister on December 24, 2022. As part of the agreement between the parties, three deputy prime ministers were appointed: NFP leader Biman Prasad, SODELPA leader Viliame Gavoka, and Manoa Kamikamica. Rabuka also took on other important government roles, including information, civil service, foreign affairs, and climate change.
Soon after becoming Prime Minister, on December 26, 2022, Rabuka approved the return of USP Vice-Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia and Padma Lal. They had been asked to leave Fiji by the previous government.
On January 20, 2023, Rabuka made his first official trip as Prime Minister to Kiribati. He met with President Taneti Maamau to improve relations and strengthen unity in the Pacific region. Kiribati had previously left the Pacific Islands Forum in July 2022.
Manager of the Pacific Islanders Rugby Union Team
In October 2008, it was announced that Rabuka would be the manager for the Pacific Islanders rugby union team during their tour of Europe.
Personal Life
Sitiveni Rabuka is a Christian. He married Suluweti Tuiloma on April 10, 1975.
Honours
Fiji:
Companions of the Order of Fiji (CF)
Meritorious Service Decoration (MSD)
France:
Commander of the National Order of the Legion of Honour
French Polynesia:
Commander of the Order of Tahiti Nui
United Kingdom:
Honorary Officer of the Most Venerable Order of Saint John (OStJ)
Honorary Officer of the Order of British Empire (OBE)
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Images for kids
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Rabuka in 2023
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U.S Ambassador to Fiji Frankie Reed (r) with Sitiveni Rabuka (c).
See also
In Spanish: Sitiveni Rabuka para niños
