The Lauan chief, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, returned to Fiji last week. The former senior officer of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces had spent almost 12-years in exile in Tonga. After fleeing Fiji and controversially "rescued at sea" by the Royal Tongan Navy in 2011.

On 11 March, the website Fiji Village reported Mara's return to his home island on a visit.

Lieutenant Colonel Ratu Tevita Mara was one of the senior officers who supported and executed the 2006 coup led by Voreqe Bainimarama.

However, in May 2011 he was charged with mutiny and accused of attempting to overthrow the Bainimarama-led government. Mara then fled Fiji in May 2011, and was declared a fugitive by the Fijian government under the Extradition Act.

He is the only surviving son of the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, Fiji's long-serving Prime Minister and President.

During his years in Tonga, Ratu Tevita Mara, has lived Nuku'alofa. He works at the Palace Office, as an advisor to the King.

Background:

Matangi Tonga Online 5 May 2011 Ratu Tevita remains "a man rescued at sea" [2]

Matangi Tonga Online 16 May 2011 Commodore Bainimarama: Tonga breaches Fiji's sovereignty [3]

Matangi Tonga Online 24 May 2011 Fiji files an Extradition Order on Ratu Tevita Mara [4]

Matangi Tonga Online  20 July 2012 Mara surprised to be named in Fiji plot allegation [5]