The National Security and Defence Review has revealed a significant deficit in public trust towards government institutions in Fiji. Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua made this statement following the report’s launch at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
The review assesses the primary risks to Fiji’s national security and notes various factors contributing to the situation. These include the lingering effects of human rights violations following past coups, as well as recent issues concerning the trafficking of illegal narcotics, which allegedly involve some police officers.
Professor Satish Chand, the Editorial Chair of the NSDR, explained that the report is structured into three key sections: an overview of Fiji’s national security architecture, the identification of main security threats and challenges, and essential recommendations for reforming the security sector. He also indicated that there is a prevalent misunderstanding within the community regarding the true scope of national security.
Chand remarked, “When people hear about national security, they often think solely of the military, firearms, and coups.” He stressed that national security encompasses much more than these elements.
Tikoduadua emphasized that the report addresses Fiji’s national security issues directly, stating that restoring trust in government institutions, civil society, and the community is vital. He highlighted the need to rebuild confidence in the security agencies, specifically the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force, and underlined the importance of accountability, transparency, and civilian oversight. The initiation of the Police Reset and Restore Blue initiatives aims to facilitate this rebuilding of trust.
He expressed the intention to implement all recommendations outlined in the review, which include formalizing organizational roles, enhancing coordination mechanisms, and improving democratic decision-making within the security sector.
The NSDR aims for comprehensive reform of Fiji’s national security framework, focusing on ensuring democratic accountability for security agencies, such as the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. The initiative is part of a broader mandate to develop a government-wide National Security Strategy.