Fiji’s military officials have recognized that longstanding social, political, and economic issues cannot be solved through military action. This understanding was emphasized in the recently published National Security and Defence Review (NSDR), which was presented in Suva.
The report addresses the significant decline of trust in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), a situation exacerbated by the military’s involvement in past coups. It notes that the 2013 Constitution has not been effective in restoring this trust, particularly due to its expansion of the RFMF’s responsibilities, which introduced a guardian role for the military.
According to the report, the legacy of the RFMF’s actions during the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006 has contributed to this distrust. Representatives from civil service and civil society organizations shared their accounts of human rights abuses committed by security forces during and after these events.
Stakeholders expressed concern about the likelihood of further military involvement in politics, with some suggesting that the immunity provisions included in the 2013 Constitution foster a culture conducive to coups, which they deem harmful to Fiji.
The military leadership recognizes the low level of community trust and the underlying causes. They are taking steps to rebuild this trust through their Reconciliation and Restoration initiative. The military understands the serious effects that coups have on state stability, national development, and social unity, as well as the reputational harm inflicted on Fiji and the RFMF’s credibility.
The NSDR also highlights the negative impact these historical events have had on the mental health and livelihoods of RFMF members and their families. Officials express concern over the potential for future coups, particularly from trusted insiders working with external provocateurs aiming to influence segments of the military for political purposes.
To mitigate these risks, military leaders emphasized the necessity of force protection measures, including a contact reporting system, thorough personal security vetting, and internal security protocols for managing weapons and ammunition. Additionally, the RFMF is seeking greater clarity regarding its legislative mandate as outlined in the Constitution.