Key stakeholders and non-governmental organizations have voiced concerns that the immunity provisions outlined in the 2013 Constitution may heighten the risk of future coups and advocate for their elimination. Their worries are detailed in the Fiji National Security and Defence Review Report (NSDR), which claims that these provisions foster a culture of coups detrimental to the nation.
The report was publicly presented on Tuesday by Independent Review Lead James Sanday, along with NSDR Editorial Board Chairperson Satish Chand, Shailendra Singh, and Ana Rokomokoti. It emphasizes that the leadership of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces recognizes the low levels of community trust in them, as well as the underlying reasons for this mistrust.
The report states, “Trust in the security forces, in their commitment to serving the people and safeguarding their legislated rights, has diminished with each coup.” It further argues that the 2013 Constitution has not enhanced trust but rather exacerbated concerns by expanding the mandate of the RFMF under Section 131 (2), which conferred a guardian role on the military. This expansion has been eroded by past human rights violations.
An example cited in the report involves armed soldiers and police entering Bau Island to arrest a chief and his herald during a traditional chiefly installation ceremony, illustrating that the security forces have overstepped their boundaries. The legacy of the RFMF’s actions during the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006 remains a significant source of concern.
Civil service stakeholders and civil society organizations have promptly shared their experiences regarding the abuses inflicted by security forces. Many recounted instances of suppression and violations of their human and civil rights during and after the coups, highlighting the continuous threat of future military interference in politics as a significant factor contributing to their distrust.