Colo and Seaqaqa Wars

Colo Wars 1871-1876

The Cakobau Government fought several hard campaigns against Viti Levu hill tribes in retaliation for raids on plantations, the murder of Christian villagers, the Korowaiwai massacres and attacks in Ba. Fighting in Sir Arthur Gordon’s “Little War” in Nadroga and Navosa in 1876 was not so fierce, as the hill tribes were greatly demoralised and reduced in numbers by the measles epidemic of 1875 (approximately 20% of the indigenous population of Fiji died in this measles outbreak).

Seaqaqa War 1894

The people of Sasa and Seaqaqa in central Vanua Levu were traditionally linked with Wailevu on the south coast of Vanua Levu, but were classed as Macuata subjects of the Colonial Government. Abused by the Roko Tui Macuata, they rebelled and were defeated by the armed police.