Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (born 18 October 1941) is a Fijian chief, former military officer, diplomat, and politician who served as the eighth President of Fiji from 2009 to 2015. A highly distinguished figure in Fijian public life for several decades, Nailatikau has held numerous high-ranking positions across the military, diplomatic service, and government.
Early Life and Education Born on 18 October 1941, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is the son of Ratu Sir Edward Cakobau, a prominent Fijian statesman and military commander, and Adi Lady Vasemaca Tuilau Cakobau. He is a great-grandson of Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the last reigning monarch of Fiji. Nailatikau received his early education in Fiji before embarking on a career in the armed forces.
Military Career Ratu Epeli Nailatikau had a distinguished military career in the Royal Fijian Military Forces (RFMF). He rose through the ranks, eventually serving as the Commander of the RFMF. His military service included significant international experience, notably commanding peacekeeping forces in the Middle East with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), demonstrating his leadership capabilities on a global stage.
Diplomatic and Political Career Following his extensive military service, Nailatikau transitioned into diplomacy and politics, serving Fiji in various capacities.
- Diplomatic Roles: He served as Fiji's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and later as Ambassador to Australia, playing a crucial role in maintaining and strengthening Fiji's international relations.
- Speaker of the House of Representatives (2001-2006): In the early 2000s, Nailatikau was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, a position he held until the December 2006 Fijian coup d'état.
- Post-2006 Coup Government: After the 2006 coup, he was appointed to various ministerial positions in the interim government led by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. These roles included Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Minister for Provincial Development, and Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, among others.
- Interim Vice-President (2007-2009): In 2007, he was appointed Interim Vice-President, a position he held until his elevation to the presidency.
Presidency (2009-2015) On 30 July 2009, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was sworn in as the President of Fiji. His presidency occurred during a pivotal period of constitutional and political change in Fiji, marked by the continued suspension of parliamentary democracy following the 2006 coup and the subsequent roadmap towards democratic elections. Key developments during his tenure included:
- The abrogation of the 1997 Constitution in 2009.
- The drafting and promulgation of a new constitution in 2013, which introduced a non-racial electoral system and a single national constituency.
- The return to democratic elections in September 2014, which were the first since the 2006 coup.
Nailatikau played a critical role in overseeing the transition back to constitutional rule and the re-establishment of a democratically elected government. He retired from the presidency in November 2015 and was succeeded by Major General (Ret'd) Jioji Konrote.
Later Roles Even after his presidency, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau remained active in public service. In 2019, he was again appointed Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, a role he held until 2022, demonstrating his continued commitment to the nation's democratic institutions.
Personal Life Ratu Epeli Nailatikau is married to Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau, who is the daughter of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Fiji's first Prime Minister and later President. Their marriage unites two of Fiji's most influential chiefly families, reflecting a deep connection to the country's traditional leadership. He holds the traditional title of Ratu, indicating his high chiefly rank within the Fijian traditional social structure.
Awards and Honours Throughout his extensive career, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his distinguished service to Fiji and his contributions to international peace and diplomacy.