MP Tei’ifi Calls for Justice: Demands Accountability for ‘Big Fish’ from the ethnic conflict more than two decades ago.
Hon. Claudius Tei’ifi, the Member of Parliament representing the West Kwaio Constituency, has emphasized that the masterminds behind the ethnic crisis still remain at large. Speaking during a recent debate on the Truth and Reconcilation Commission (TRC) Report in the Parliament, Tei’ifi asserted that those responsible for orchestrating the crisis, the so-called ‘big fish,’ must be brought to justice to heal the wounds that were inflicted upon the nation.
“The people of this nation, especially victims of the ethnic tension, have been waiting for too long to know the real truth about the cause of the ethnic tension,” he said. He strongly advocated for the exposure of the true culprits and instigators, urging for a process that would hold them accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, Tei’ifi stressed the necessity of comprehensive compensation for all victims who endured loss, suffering, and anguish during the darkest chapters of Solomon Islands’ history. He expressed heartfelt sympathy for families who lost loved ones, properties, and livelihoods during the crisis, acknowledging the enduring pain that still resonates within the nation’s collective memory.
Addressing his fellow Parliament members, Tei’ifi acknowledged the emotional weight of the TRC Report, recognizing that it could evoke distressing memories, regrets, and sorrow for many who lived through those tumultuous times. He expressed his regret that numerous victims were no longer present to witness the government’s efforts to address the lingering repercussions of the crisis.
Tei’ifi emphasized that the gravity of the situation had been understated for far too long, leaving countless victims bereft of the justice they rightfully deserve. He appealed for a departure from blame-shifting and urged unity among leaders to collectively address the underlying issues that paved the way for the ethnic crisis.