Fiji’s national security framework is missing a centralized national intelligence assessment capability, as pointed out in the Fiji National Security and Defence Review Report. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration primarily relies on open sources for strategic intelligence, while its Immigration Department operates an immigration intelligence network.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a diplomatic information network, and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces focuses on military intelligence at operational and tactical levels. The Fiji Police Force gathers and analyzes criminal intelligence and ensures domestic security, whereas the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service is involved in customs intelligence.
The Report notes that while it is beneficial for individual agencies to manage separate intelligence streams, there must be strong mechanisms for intelligence sharing. It emphasizes that Fiji’s intelligence operations are not coordinated under a unified national body, which can result in information gaps and hinder the development of a cohesive response strategy.
To enhance national leadership capabilities and establish a more coordinated and effective intelligence approach, the Government is urged to consider the creation of a centralized national intelligence framework that merges various intelligence functions. This initiative would improve strategic decision-making, heighten situational awareness, and ensure that the Prime Minister and Cabinet have access to timely, comprehensive, and actionable intelligence.
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