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Sitiveni Rabuka
CF, OBE, MSD
Sitiveni Rabuka PIF 2023.jpg
Rabuka in 2023
Prime Minister of Fiji
Assumed office
24 December 2022
President
Deputy
  • Manoa Kamikamica
  • Viliame Gavoka
  • Biman Prasad
Preceded by Frank Bainimarama
In office
2 June 1992 – 19 May 1999
President
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
Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama
Preceded by Teimumu Kepa
Succeeded by Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu
Leader of SODELPA
In office
24 June 2016 – 28 November 2020
Preceded by Teimumu Kepa
Succeeded by Viliame Gavoka
Chairman of the Cakaudrove Provincial Council
In office
24 May 2001 – 2008
Preceded by Ratu Inoke Kubuabola
Succeeded by Emitai Boladuadua
1st Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs
In office
1999–2001
Preceded by Ratu Finau Mara
Succeeded by Ratu Epeli Ganilau
Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji
In office
July 1991 – 1992
Serving with Josefata Kamikamica
Prime Minister Kamisese Mara
Succeeded by Tomasi Vakatora
5th Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces
In office
1987 – April 1991
Preceded by Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
Succeeded by Ratu Epeli Ganilau
Member of the Fijian Parliament
for Cakaudrove West
In office
1999–2001
Preceded by Office established
Succeeded by Manasa Tugia
Personal details
Born (1948-09-13) 13 September 1948 (age 76)
Nakobo, Cakaudrove,
Colony of Fiji
Political party People's Alliance (since 2021)
Other political
affiliations
    • SVT (1991–2006)
    • SODELPA (2014–2015; 2016–2020)
Spouse
Suluweti Tuiloma
(m. 1975)
Nicknames
  • Steve
  • Rambo
Military service
Allegiance
  •  Dominion of Fiji
  •  Fiji (since 1987)
Branch  Fiji Infantry Regiment
Service years 1968–1991
Rank Major General
Commands Fijian Battalion
Conflict Lebanese Civil War
Awards

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 24 December 2022. He also held this important role from 1992 to 1999.

Rabuka was involved in two military takeovers in 1987. Later, he was chosen as the leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party in 2016. He became the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament in 2018. In 2020, he formed a new political party called the People's Alliance to run in the 2022 election.

Early Life and Sports

Sitiveni Rabuka grew up in the village of Drekeniwai 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 and was the head boy in his final year.

Rabuka was also a talented athlete. He represented Fiji in sports like 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 also 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.

He served as a senior operations manager for UNIFIL peacekeeping troops in Lebanon from 1980 to 1981. When he returned to Fiji, he became the Army Chief of Staff. From 1982 to 1987, he worked as an operations and training officer for the Fijian army. During this time, he also commanded the Fijian Battalion as part of a peacekeeping force in the Sinai 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.

Military Takeovers in 1987

In 1987, Sitiveni Rabuka, who was a colonel at the time, led two military takeovers. The first happened on 14 May 1987. He took control of the government after the 1987 election. He then gave power to the governor-general, Penaia Ganilau.

When Ganilau tried to bring back the old constitution, Rabuka led a second takeover on 28 September that year. On 7 October, he announced that Fiji would become a republic, ending its connection to the British Monarchy. On 5 December, he handed power to a temporary government. However, he remained the Commander of the Army and held other important government roles.

In 2006, Rabuka expressed regret for his role in these events, calling them "democratically wrong."

Political Career

First Term as Prime Minister (1992–1999)

In April 1991, Rabuka left his military role to join the government of Kamisese Mara as a Deputy Prime Minister. After a new constitution was adopted in 1990, 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, but he worked to create a new Constitution. This new constitution aimed to be fairer to all ethnic groups in Fiji.

In the elections of 1999, Rabuka's party lost, and he was replaced by Mahendra Chaudhry, who became Fiji's first Prime Minister of Indo-Fijian heritage.

After the 1999 Election

After his election defeat, Rabuka was chosen as the Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs. He later stepped down from this position in 2001.

In 2006, Rabuka was found not guilty of charges related to a military event in 2000. The judge made the final decision after the jury was divided.

2014 Parliamentary Election

After the 2006 military takeover, Rabuka mostly stayed out of the public eye. However, in June 2013, he said he might consider running in the 2014 national elections. He sought to lead the new Social Democratic Liberal Party (SoDelPa) but was not chosen. He remained a member and supporter of the party.

Leader of the Opposition (2018–2020)

In June 2016, Sitiveni Rabuka became the new leader of SODELPA. He led the party into the 2018 elections.

Sitiveni Rabuka with Ambassador Reed 2014
U.S Ambassador to Fiji Frankie Reed (right) with Sitiveni Rabuka (center).

Rabuka won enough votes in the election to gain a seat in parliament. He was then appointed as the Leader of the Opposition in 2018.

In May 2020, SODELPA was temporarily suspended 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.

Leadership Change and Resignation

In November 2020, Rabuka was replaced as SODELPA leader by Viliame Gavoka. On 7 December 2020, Rabuka resigned from Parliament and his role as Opposition Leader. He stated that he wanted to help create unity and progress in Fiji.

In July 2021, he was briefly held by Fijian police after he spoke out about changes to land laws.

Second Term as Prime Minister (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 with SODELPA and the National Federation Party (NFP), ending 16 years of rule by the previous government.

Sitiveni Rabuka was sworn in as Prime Minister on 24 December 2022. As part of the agreement, 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 26 December 2022, Rabuka approved the return of USP Vice-Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia and Padma Lal, who had been asked to leave Fiji by the previous government.

In January 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.

In May 2024, during a visit to the United Kingdom, Rabuka formally apologized to King Charles III for the 1987 military takeover that led to the end of the Fijian Monarchy. He mentioned that if the people of Fiji wished to return to having the Crown, it would be their decision.

Rugby Union Manager

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 10 April 1975.

Honours and Awards

Rabuka has received several honours for his service:

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Sitiveni Rabuka para niños

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