The Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN) is urgently seeking increased funding to strengthen its maritime security capabilities, particularly in maritime surveillance and the fight against drug trafficking. This pressing need was highlighted in a recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, which assessed the annual reports of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) covering the years from 2019 to 2022.
The committee voiced serious concerns regarding the RFN’s budget, which has historically been less than 20% of the total RFMF funding, despite escalating maritime security threats. For the financial year 2024-2025, the Navy was allocated only 11.9% of the RFMF’s total budget of $169.6 million, a decline from the previous year’s 17.7%.
Fiji’s position as a significant transit point for heroin and a key hub for synthetic drugs raises critical issues of addiction, corruption, and gang violence affecting local communities. The RFN’s limited naval resources restrict its capability to patrol the expansive 1.3 million square miles of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with operations primarily dependent on one main vessel and two smaller boats.
To address these challenges, the committee recommended creating a framework similar to New Zealand’s National Maritime Coordination Centre to improve inter-agency cooperation in tackling maritime security threats. It also proposed acquiring additional vessels to boost patrol coverage, extend operational reach, and reduce response times to illicit activities. Furthermore, the establishment of a ‘Department of Maritime Affairs’ was suggested to enhance reporting and expedite the handling of urgent maritime issues.
Compounding these issues is the recent National Security and Defence Review Report, which states that Fiji has evolved from being merely a transit zone for organized crime to a destination for illicit activities, especially drug trafficking. This shift has been exacerbated by a weakened security sector and ineffective border controls, alongside the proliferation of dangerous drugs, including those laced with fentanyl.
The report underscores the necessity for the government to enhance border security, improve customs and immigration processes, and foster international collaboration to tackle these urgent problems. It highlights the potential contributions of faith-based organizations and youth support groups in addressing the social ramifications of drug addiction and alleviating these challenges.
As Fiji confronts these significant obstacles, the focus on enhancing the Navy’s capabilities and strengthening border security presents an opportunity to create a robust framework against drug trafficking and bolster national security. This could contribute to fostering a safer environment for all citizens in Fiji.
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