Fiji’s national security framework is currently lacking 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 primarily depends on open-source information for strategic intelligence, while its Immigration Department maintains its own immigration intelligence network.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs runs a diplomatic information network, whereas the Republic of Fiji Military Forces specializes in military intelligence at operational and tactical levels. The Fiji Police Force is responsible for collecting and assessing criminal intelligence along with providing domestic security services, and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service gathers customs intelligence.
The report emphasizes that although individual agencies may effectively manage their specific intelligence streams, it is essential to establish strong intelligence-sharing mechanisms among them. It points out that Fiji’s intelligence operations are not coordinated through a central national intelligence authority within the government, which can create potential gaps in information flow and undermine the development of coherent response strategies.
To enhance national leadership support and ensure more effective coordination in intelligence matters, the government is urged to establish a centralized national intelligence framework that integrates the various intelligence functions. This initiative would improve strategic decision-making, bolster situational awareness, and guarantee that the Prime Minister and Cabinet receive comprehensive and actionable intelligence in a timely manner.