Fiji’s national security framework is criticized for missing a centralized national intelligence assessment capability, according to the Fiji National Security and Defence Review Report. The report indicates that the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration mainly relies on open-source information for strategic intelligence, while the Immigration Department maintains its own immigration intelligence network. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a diplomatic information system, and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces focus on military intelligence at operational and tactical levels. The Fiji Police Force gathers and evaluates criminal intelligence alongside domestic security duties, and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service manages customs intelligence.
Despite the benefits of individual agencies overseeing their intelligence areas, the report emphasizes the need for strong intelligence-sharing mechanisms. It argues that Fiji’s intelligence functions are not aligned under a unified national body at the government level, which may create information flow gaps and hinder the development of a cohesive response strategy. To improve national leadership support and foster a more coordinated intelligence approach, the government is urged to establish a centralized national intelligence framework that incorporates various intelligence functions. This initiative aims to enhance strategic decision-making, boost situational awareness, and ensure that the Prime Minister and Cabinet receive intelligence that is timely, comprehensive, and actionable.
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