FIJI POLITICS
FIJI'S SLOW MARCH TO MILITARY TAKEOVER

As in previous coups, there are concerns that the December 2006 coup may not have support of the vanua (Fijian people). In 1987, Rabuka had support of the Fijians and some sections of the community supported George Speight in 2000. Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs has come out strongly against the takeover, placing Bainimarama in a difficult and potentially dangerous situation.

By SANJAY RAMESH

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ON 13 November 2006, the Fiji Military Forces (FMF) came up with a list of demands for the Government of Fiji. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, the army put forward the following demands:

Public declaration by the government that the coups of 2000 were illegal, and all those associated with them must be removed from office;

Withdrawal of three contentious bills: the Racial Tolerance and Unity Bill, Qoliqoli Bill and the Land Claims Tribunal Bill;

Investigations against Bainimarama and senior army officers terminated;

Police guard government
On 1 November, Qarase convened the National Security Council meeting, threatening that his government will resign if Bainimarama stayed on. The Police Tactical Squad guarded government buildings as Fiji’s Pacific neighbors, Australia and New Zealand, upgraded travel warnings and sent warships and personnel for a possible evacuation of their citizens (AAP, 1 November, 2006). Meanwhile, the Fiji Police came out with a press release confirming that investigations had started against Bainimarama for his outbursts against the government (The Fiji Sun, 1 November, 2006).

Fiji military Commander Frank Bainimarama arrived in the country on 4 November and remained silent over the events that transpired during his absence. The police, nevertheless, continued to press ahead. The Fiji Sun on 6 November revealed details of the police investigation plan.

For his recent outbursts: Possible offences; Treason- 50 of Act 17, Section 65, 66 Cap 17 and Disobedience of lawful order- 144 Cap 17. Pending cases: Removal of late President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara; Abrogation of the 1997 Constitution; CRW murder investigation- Nabua PEP 8/00; Minister for Home Affairs - disobedience - CID/HQ PEP 16/06; Army fraud (Suspect Esala Teleni). Action requirement: NIS Intelligence report; Legal advice - Force legal; Doctrine of Necessity ruling - (RS vs Chandrika Prasad's case); Uplift files from DPP (The Fiji Sun, 6 November 2006)

With the police waiting to interview Bainimarama, the army lashed out at Australia for getting involved in Fijian affairs after Australian Defence Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, called on Commodore Bainimarama not carry out his threat to force the resignation of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase's government. (Fijilive, 5 November, 2006). In addition, the FMF alleged that Australia had covertly sent Special Air Services (SAS) team on 3 November to Fiji to carry out reconnaissance for a possible “invasion” (The Fiji Times, 8 November, 2006). These allegations were strenuously refuted by Australian High Commission media liaison officer, Matt Anderson.

On 7 November, the military called on Fiji’s Police Commissioner to resign (The Fiji Times, 8 November, 2006) as the political drama unfolding in Suva shifted to the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), which met on 9 November on the request of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. On 8 November, the Commander broke silence and accused Qarase of lying.

“Let me say that corruption is about lies and in the indigenous context the greatest lie is when it is told by a PM, a talatala [preacher] or a chief for personal gain for the simple reason that these are the three entities that we hold dear and look up to for advice.”

“This was seen in 2000 in parliament when people in positions of leadership in our society lied to the people of this nation that George Speight was correct in all senses of the word when we knew that these were losers and opportunists jostling for positions and money.

“We in the RFMF represent the silent majority of this land and say we are tried of being lied to. Stop now or our children and grandchildren will suffer” (The Fiji Sun, 9 November, 2006)

Meeting boycott
Bainimarama boycotted the first day of the GCC meeting, arguing that Qarase’s move to bring in the high chiefs was a poor judgment in the part of the Prime Minister. On 10 November, Bainimarama addressed the chiefs and expressed personal disappointment with the leadership of Prime Minister Qarase. In response to the crisis, the GCC formed a six member mediation committee, which was expected to report to the GCC meeting in Levuka from 12 to 14 December 2006 (Islands Business, 10 November, 2006). The two-day GCC meeting passed seven resolutions:

the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (GCC) remains committed to supporting at all times the legally elected Government, the Bose Levu Vakaturaga upholds the role of Parliament in its law making process as stipulated in the Constitution; the Bose Levu Vakaturaga upholds the rule of law, respect for democracy as well as customary laws and strongly urges all citizens to respect, abide and protect these at all times; the Bose Levu Vakaturaga urges the two leaders to communicate and resolve their differences; the Bose Levu Vakaturaga has resolved that a committee chaired by the chairperson of the Bose Levu Vakaturaga with three members representing the three confederacies and two advisers to facilitate the mediation process between Government and the military, as part of its term of reference , the committee will study the underlying causes of the strained relations which have developed between government and the Fiji Military Forces and the projected ultimate results of such serious strained (The Fiji Times, 11 November, 2006)

As both the Fiji military and the government started next phase of their maneuver, it was becoming clear that both sides were dug in and not giving an inch. The Minister for Home Affairs, Josefa Vosanibola, warned that the Commander was not above the law and should not be making any demands on an elected government (Fijilive, 16 November 2006). On 19 November, Bainimarama told Fiji TV that the government was wrong to involve chiefs in the military and government standoff and argued that most of the chiefs in the GCC were involved in the 2000 coup and as such they could not be “honest brokers”. The Commander further criticized the government for attempting to oust him from office when he was overseas (The Fiji Daily Post, 20 November, 2006).

Bainimarama warned that if the Racial Tolerance and Unity, Qoliqoli, and Lands Claim Tribunal bills were passed then the national security situation in Fiji would deteriorate (The Fiji Daily Post, 16 November, 2006). On 19 November, Bainimarama questioned the appointment of a psychiatrist, Selina Kuruleca, as an advisor to the special committee of the GCC (Fiji Village News, 16 November 2006) and on 20 November, Bainimarama gave two weeks notice to the government to acquiesce to his demands, warning that he will “clean up” the government himself (Fiji TV, 20 November, 2006). On 21 November, Bainimarama flew to Auckland to attend the christening of his grand daughter. At Auckland airport, journalists, without success, sought clarification from Bainimarama on his “clean up” campaign (Fairfax, 21 November, 2006).

Back in Fiji, the Police Commissioner Hughes revealed on 23 November that five senior officers including the Commander were likely to be charged with sedition. On the same day, police officers armed with summons went and confiscated documents relating to the army from the Office of the President (Fijilive, 25 November, 2006). In the ABC Lateline program the same night, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, expressed new fears of a coup within weeks (ABC, 24 November, 2006).

The word reached Bainimarama in New Zealand that the Office of the President was searched by Fiji police and on hearing this, the Commander reacted angrily, arguing that a foreigner had violated the Office of the President by not following traditional Fijian protocols and ordered the Police Commissioner, Andrew Hughes, out of the country (Fijilive, 25 November, 2006).

Armed soldiers in full battle gear started patrolling the streets of Suva from 25 November and on 27 November, New Zealand High Commission in Suva closed its doors and advised its citizens to leave Fiji. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs also made similar calls as fears of a coup escalated (Fiji Village News, 27 November 2006). Prime Minister Qarase called on Fiji citizens to work together and the Home Affairs Minister reiterated that demands by the army Commander to drop all investigations against him was contrary to the rule of law (Fijilive, 27 November, 2006).

Growing nervousness
In a bid to thwart a coup, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) organized a Forum Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Sydney on 1 December 2006. Fiji TV on 27 November reported that Qarase requested assistance from regional Pacific Island States under the Biketawa Declaration (Fiji TV, 27 November, 2006). There was growing nervousness among government members as well as consular officials in Suva after a thousand members of the territorial forces were recalled to the army camp.

On 28 November, The Fiji Times reported that an arrest order was out for Commander Bainimarama and two Fiji Police Officers went to New Zealand to seek assistance from Interpol (The Fiji Times, 28 November, 2006). Fiji Village News reported at 10:00am that Fiji’s Police Commissioner had moved his family to Australia and changed residence for security reasons (Fiji Village News, 28 November, 2006). Commissioner Hughes told Radio New Zealand that there was real and credible threat from the army barracks to arrest him (The Age, 28 November, 2006). Meanwhile, Britain joined Australia and New Zealand in upgrading its travel warning (BBC News, 27 November, 2006).

In Fiji, rumors circulated that Bainimarama would place government ministers and the police commissioner under house arrest after arriving in Fiji. Feeding the rumors was the apparent breakdown in the progress towards a multiparty governance framework. On Wednesday 22 November, four Fiji Labour Party (FLP) cabinet ministers voted against the 1997 Budget. The FLP leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, had warned earlier that all nine FLP cabinet ministers must be present for the vote. However, five members were granted leave of absence by Prime Minister Qarase. Chaudhry was unhappy after the budget passed with 40 votes in favor against 26. Qarase on Friday 24 November came up with a compromise, which was rejected by Chaudhry. Qarase proposed that he will allow the four FLP cabinet ministers to stay provided the FLP did not take disciplinary action against the other five. Adding to the multiparty woes was the outburst by FLP cabinet minister, Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi, who attacked Fiji police for raiding the President’s Office on 23 November (Fiji TV, 27 November, 2006). On 28 November, three FLP members, ‘Atu Bain, Prem Chand and Vijay Singh and two cabinet ministers, Krishna Datt and Poseci Bune, were expelled from the party (The Fiji Daily Post, 29 November, 2006). The fate of three other cabinet ministers, Adi Sivia Qoro, Gyani Nand and Dr Gunasagaran Goundar, was yet to be determined by the FLP caucus (Fijilive, 29 November, 2006).

Oxford academic Victor Lal, argued that the government should acquiesce to the military’s demands and urged the President to take a leadership role in resolving the crisis. If there was no consensus between the government and the army, then Lal suggested that the President suspend Parliament for three to six months and seek resolution between the disputing parties with a help of advisors (The Fiji Sun, 28 November, 2006).

The New Zealand Government attempted to broker a peace deal, following private discussions on the security situation in Fiji between New Zealand Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, and Commander Bainimarama in Wellington. On 28 November, Prime Minister Qarase, Chief Executive Jiogi Kotobalavu and Police Commissioner Hughes went to Wellington after Bainimarama agreed to a meeting (The Australian, 28 November 2006). With the diplomatic solution in sight, two Fiji politicians, cabinet minister Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi and opposition leader Mick Beddoes, urged Fiji Police to drop all investigations against the commander for the sake of political stability (Fijilive, 28 November, 2006).

The United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, warned that more than 500 soldiers serving in peace keeping duties in Middle East would be sent home if the Commander carried out his threat to oust an elected government in Fiji. The UN chief spoke to Fiji Prime Minister Laisania Qarase on 28 November and refused to take calls from Bainimarama (Fiji TV, 28 November, 2006). The European Union (EU) reaffirmed its support for the Qarase Government as the diplomatic corp in Suva attempted without success to talk to senior army officers at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks.

Military chief defiant
In New Zealand, Bainimarama remained defiant and told Indo-Fijian Radio Tarana that his meeting with Qarase will be short (New Zealand Herald, 29 November, 2006). New Zealand Prime Minister, Helen Clark, remained optimistic. However, Bainimarama arrived at the meeting late and had to leave early to catch his flight to Fiji. Following a two-hour discussion, a solution to the Fiji crisis was still not in sight as Qarase called for “good sense to prevail” (Fiji Village News, 29 November, 2006). The Fiji Times reported that the army would start preparing for a “possible” invasion by Australia by holding military exercises. In a press statement released by military spokesperson Captain Leweni, the army planned to secure strategic sites within the greater Suva area between midnight and 3 am (The Fiji Times, 29 November, 2006).

Both Bainimarama and Qarase arrived in Fiji in the evening of 29 November and did not make any comments to the media (Fiji TV, 29 November, 2006). At 8:15 pm, Bainimarama arrived at Nadi International airport and left through the back gate to the Nadi military camp. The Fiji Police Commissioner, Andrew Hughes, did not return with Qarase and took leave to be with his family in Australia. “A high-level source told the Herald that Mr Hughes has suffered acute stress as a result of events in Fiji and will not be returning as commissioner” (Sydney Morning Herald, 30 November, 2006).

The Fiji Military on 30 November announced further exercises in Suva following news of an Australian Black Hawk Helicopter crash near Fiji. The Fiji army alleged that the Australian Defence Force was planning an invasion from its navy ships (Fijilive, 30 November, 2006). The army alleged that the Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Sydney on 1 December will allow Australian intervention under the Biketawa Declaration of 2000.

At 11:00am, Prime Minister Qarase met with Fiji President and in the afternoon spoke with the Vice President, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi and the FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry. At 4.30 pm Fiji time, Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase thanked the New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Governor General Anand Satyanand for providing support and advice for the meeting between him and the commander in Wellington on Wednesday 29 November. Qarase requested Fiji Military Forces to provide evidence against all those individuals involved in the 2000 coup to the police for investigation.

Starting immediately, the Racial Tolerance and Unity, Qoliqoli and Land Claims Tribunal Bills were suspended. An independent committee will be formed to determine whether any of the bills contravene the 1997 Constitution and if there is any evidence of that then the bills will be removed altogether. Qarase said that his government cannot interfere in ongoing investigations against senior members of the army but stated that the government will support the decision if the DPP and the police dropped all charges against the army for the sake of national interest. Qarase confirmed that Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes contract was due to expire soon and any decision to renew it will be based on his performance in the past three years. The commissioner is on leave and is with his family in Australia. The Ministry of Home Affairs will review the armed Police Tactical Unit. The Native Land Trust Board (NLTB) will be directed through the Ministry of Fijian Affairs to review its commercial arm: Vanua Development Corporation. Starting immediately, Qarase will start work on leadership code, freedom of information legislation and anti corruption measures. Two Ministers from the Qarase government, Minister for Tourism, Tomasi Vuetilovoni and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kaliopate Tavola will attend the Forum Meeting in Sydney on 1 December. The two will request the Forum Island Countries (FICs) to support New Zealand brokered dialogue between the Fiji Government and the army. The United Nations Secretary General spoke to Qarase and has promised assistance for peacefully resolving the political impasse in Fiji. PM Qarase will write to Bainimarama and invite him to further talks (Radio Sargam, 30 November, 2006)

Commander Bainimarama remained unimpressed and in a press conference in Suva in the evening of 30 November, the army commander gave the Qarase Government until noon on 1 December 2000 to “clean up” his government. Fiji TV in its 10 pm report stated that the army was ready to takeover and impose military rule. There were also rumors in Fiji that the army would confiscate business assets of those involved in the 2000 coup.

The military commander says he will hold the Prime Minister, the head of his department and the Attorney General personally responsible if one of his soldiers is hurt or killed. He is confident the transition - set for one 1pm NZT - will be peaceful, but there is a fear that if Bainimarama doesn't have the full backing of his men then his declaration could lead to bloodshed. Bainimarama's actions have drawn opprobrium from throughout the world (TV NZ, 1 December, 2006).

Brokered talks
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed surprise at Bainimarama’s statements confirmed that discussions brokered by New Zealand were successful and further warned Bainimarama not to depose an elected government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Qarase told ABC News that he hoped for “divine intervention” to resolve the crisis and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer, argued that a military coup in Fiji would have a negative impact on the whole of South Pacific region. At 10:00 am, Bainimarama visited the President and held discussions on the current situation for forty minutes and then went to the Post Fiji Stadium where senior army officers were briefed. At 11.30 am, the University of the South Pacific and number of businesses closed for the day in the Suva City Business District (CBD) (Legend FM, 1 December, 2006).

In another development, Legend FM confirmed that Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes had not resigned as earlier alleged by some news reports. Speaking live from Cairns in Northern Queensland, Hughes explained that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) can decide that it is not in the “public interest” to proceed with sedition charges against Bainimarama. Hughes further stated that he was monitoring the situation in Fiji and was scheduled to return on 18 December.

Bainimarama at noon told journalists that since the Government of Fiji had failed to accede to his demands, he assumes that it is now up to him to start the “clean up” process (Radio Sargam, 1 December 2006). Meanwhile Prime Minister Qarase confirmed that he will not resign, following rumors that the New Zealand Government had offered him safe haven. Ministers in the Qarase Government were taken to undisclosed location for fear of military action (Fijilive, 1 December, 2006).

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark cast doubt whether New Zealand would continue making its $8.7 million a year contribution to Fiji. Worse, the European Union’s $48 million aid was in jeopardy and so was nearly $12 million in United Nation payments for Fiji’s peacekeeping duties overseas (The New Zealand Herald, 2 December 2006). Following the Forum Foreign Minister’s meeting, Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, stated that Australia-Fiji defense cooperation would be suspended, including $39 million in Australian aid. Fiji TV on 1 December reported that the United States has joined the chorus of protest from regional governments against any military intervention (CBS News, 2 December, 2006).

On Saturday 2 December 2006, Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi held separate meetings with Commander Bainimarama and Prime Minister Qarase (Fijilive, 2 December, 2006). Bainimarama remained defiant and told Qarase to resign or be removed. On 3 December, one of the options on the table was for Prime Minister Qarase to request the President to dissolve parliament (Fijilive, 3 December, 2006). Qarase told Legend FM that a National Security Council (NSC) meeting would be convened on 5 December to discuss the current impasse. Meanwhile, Bainimarama reiterated that Qarase was no longer the Prime Minister as of noon 1 December. The ongoing tensions between the army and the government started to hurt the hotel industry and Nadi landowners urged for a quick resolution (Legend FM, 3 December, 2006).

The Fiji Trade Union leaders, Attar Singh and Felix Anthony, requested the army to uphold the constitution and the rule of law. Fijian lawyer, Kitione Vuataki, SDL Senator, Dr. Tupeni Baba and former President of the Methodist Church, Josateki Koroi, and Fiji’s Supervsior of Elections, Semesa Karavaki, expressed support for the elected government (Fiji TV, 3 December, 2006).

Operation "Clean-up"
The New Zealand Herald and Sydney Morning Herald meanwhile picked up a story from the Fiji Daily Post, which reported that:

TOMORROW [4 December 2006] at 0300 hrs, the Capital City is expected to be blockaded by armed soldiers as they begin with the much-awaited clean up.

Well placed sources in Government and the military have confirmed to the Fiji Daily Post that Commodore Frank Bainimarama is expected to move in and install his interim Administration as promised.

Sources said Government House is believed to be co-operating with his plans, given the close relations the commander enjoys with the President.

There are indications that Government House will go ahead and dismiss the Qarase Government and swear-in Bainimarama’s interim line up. The Parliament will be dissolved to make the overthrow of the elected Government look “legal”.

It is believed the line up has some current MPs, Senators, chiefs and former and failed politicians and soldiers. The swearing in is expected to take place after the military takes control of the city. Roadblocks are expected on the main highways leading in and out of Suva to ensure no one moves in or out of the cordoned area. Qarase-Government and the civil servants will not be allowed to enter their offices.

The intention is to shut down an effective operation of the Qarase-Government. Once it is immobilised, grounds for its dismissal will be satisfied. One can also expect interruptions to the telecommunication networks. Sources claim this is one of the scenarios the military is contemplating, there may be well others under consideration.

One mitigating factor in all of this would be the unity of the army and whether it will hold together or split apart with Government loyalists versus the commander’s rebels, sources said.

Meanwhile, some observers say the struggle for democracy in Fiji has a tribal dimension too with the House of Bau leading the overthrow. This is where the potential for bloodshed is most probable and the world may well see Fiji go the way of the Solomons, Tonga, or worse (The Fiji Daily Post, 3 December, 2006).

Commander Bainimarama clarified that there would be no army officers in any new interim government. Bainimarama said that “People that are interested in positions will be asked to apply. Whoever is fit will be part of it. A lot has been said about names of people we have chosen but we have no names in mind," he said. Commodore Bainimarama referred to the time he and other army officers were on a boat with the late President and Tui Nayau, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, in 2000, when one of his senior officers suggested that he be appointed President. "I said it then and I will say it again, no military officer should and will benefit from the interim administration," he said (The Fiji Sun, 4 December, 2006).

On 4 December, armed soldiers went to the Police Tactical Response units in Nasinu and Nasova and removed weapons from the police armory (Legend FM, 4 December, 2006). Land Forces Commander, Pita Driti, confirmed that weapons in possession of police were removed so that they do not pose a threat to the military (Fijilive, 4 December, 2006).Meanwhile, some thirty armed soldiers set up a military roadblock at Sawani near the Naitasiri province. At the checkpoint, soldiers disarmed Prime Minister’s bodyguards. From 3.30 pm, The Fiji Daily Post closed its head office in Suva after reports that it was one of the “targets” in the army’s “clean up” campaign (The Fiji Daily Post, 4 December, 2006).

At night, armed soldiers set up roadblocks throughout Suva and in the west. Prime Minister Qarase’s residence was surrounded and he was not allowed by soldiers to see Vice President, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi (Fiji TV, 4 December, 2004). In the morning of 5 December, the military tightened its grip on Suva city and confiscated official vehicles of Fiji government ministers (Fiji Village News, 5 December, 2006). At 11:30 am, Fijilive reported that the President of Fiji Ratu Josefa Iloilo had dissolved parliament and given army the go ahead to take over government (Fijilive, 5 December, 2006). Legend FM contradicted this news when reporter Vijay Narayan read out a statement from the President’s Office at 4 pm which stated that “His Excellency neither condones nor supports the actions of the army”.

At 6 pm, Commander Bainimarama assumed executive authority and established a Military Council to run the affairs of the country with the assistance of Interim Prime Minister Dr Jona Baravilala Senilagakali.

Bainimarama said he had stepped into the shoes of the President and "in this capacity under Section 101 (1) of our Constitution as he (the President) is empowered to do so, dismiss the Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.

He said he had stepped into the shoes of the President and "in this capacity under Section 101 (1) of our Constitution as he (the President) is empowered to do so, dismiss the Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.

He said the 1997 Constitution remained intact.

"We reiterate that while this cause of action is taken with great reluctance, it is necessary to steer our beloved nation into peace, stability and just solution and to preserve our Constitution. Therefore the constitution will remain in place except those parts as necessitated under the doctrine of necessity."

And medical practitioner and former army doctor Dr Jona Senilagikali has been appointed caretaker Prime Minister

Bainimarama said the takeover will not be permanent (Fijilive, 5 December, 2006)

Media censored
In the evening of 5 December, The Fiji Times and Fiji TV were warned not to publish any “propaganda” from the deposed Prime Minster Laisenia Qarase or any of his ministers. The Fiji Broadcasting Limited (FBCL) that operates Radio Fiji stations, including Radio Fiji One, Radio Fiji Two, Radio Fiji Gold and Radio Mirchi had their evening news contents checked and cleared by the army before going live on air (The Fiji Times, 5 December, 2006). On 6 December, The Fiji Daily Post reported that the military was preparing to publish martial law decrees (The Fiji Daily Post, 6 December, 2006).

At 4.30 am on 6 December, Prime Minister Qarase and his family were flown from his official residence in Suva to his home in Lau and Great Council of Chiefs Chairman, Ratu Ovini Bokini, confirmed that the Council meeting scheduled for 12 to 14 December was postponed due to military takeover. Chairman Bokini stated that President Iloilo was still the head of state, even though Bainimarama had assumed the powers of the President. Meanwhile, the speaker of Fiji’s House of Representatives, Pita Nacuva, revealed that he had received no directive from the President on the dissolution of parliament and as far as he was concerned, it was “business as usual” (Legend FM, 6 December, 2006).

At about midday, armed soldiers surrounded Fiji parliament and detained Pita Nacuva. Also taken into custody by the army were Solicitor General Nainendra Nand and Public Service Commission Chairman Stuart Huggett (Fiji Times, 6 December, 2006). Acting Police Commissioner Moses Driver was taken by soldiers to the army barracks in Nabua and the Senate was adjourned indefinitely (AAP, 6 December, 2006). The army declared a state of emergency and Bainimarama ordered all soldiers to march into camp so they could be deployed at various strategic locations around Fiji. Commodore Bainimarama said the primary objective of the Interim Military Government was to "take the country forward towards good governance, rid us of corruption and bad practices and at the same time, promote the well being of Fiji and its people at the earliest possible opportunity" (Fijilive, 6 December, 2006).

In response to the military takeover in Fiji, Australia imposed an immediate ban on all travel by senior army officers and their families from Fiji and the Australia- Fiji Defence Cooperation program was suspended indefinitely. Britain, New Zealand and European Union all imposed similar restrictions and sanctions with Fiji once again on the brink of losing its membership in the Commonwealth (Fiji Times, 6 December, 2006). At 5 pm on6 December, Bainimarama swore into office interim Prime Minister retired Fiji army physician, Dr Jona Baravilalala Senilagakali. At about 9 pm, soldiers raided the SDL office in McGregor road and 30 armed soldiers later detained ousted State Minister for Provincial Development Ted Young, he was taken to the Queen Elisabeth Barracks in Nabua for questioning and later released (The Fiji Sun, 7 December, 2006)

Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi was removed from office on 6 December, sparking fears that the military deposed the Vice President, who was appointed by Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs. Speaking on Radio Fiji Two, Chairman of GCC, Ratu Ovini Bokini hoped that Bainimarama came back to the negotiation table and worked with the Council in finding a solution to the political mess (Radio Fiji Two, 6 December, 2006).

On 7 December 2006, Fiji's military sacked Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes, Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Stuart Huggett, PSC CEO Anare Jale, Prime Minister's Office CEO Jioji Kotobalavu , Solicitor General Nainendra Nand, Acting Commissioner of Police Moses Driver and Assistant Commissioner of Police Kevueli Bulamainaivalu. The military warned that public servants not cooperating with relevant CEOs will also have their employment terminated (Fijilive, 7 December, 2006).

The newly appointed interim Prime Minister Dr Jona Baravilalala Senilagakali gave an interview on ABC Radio on 7 December and requested Australia and New Zealand not to interfere in the political situation in Fiji. Senilgakali defended the takeover of the government as the only way to implement a corruption free administration and to heal racial wounds caused by the previous three coups. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer argued that the coup was an attempt by Commander Bainimarama to scuttle investigations into the death of four rebel soldiers, who were supposedly “murdered” by soldiers loyal to the Commander, following the attack on the Fiji army barrack in November 2000 (The Australian, 7 December, 2006).

Fiji has three military coups since independence from Britain in 1970. The first, on 14 May, 1987 deposed the multiethnic government of Dr. Timoci Bavadra. Following the takeover, coup leader Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka established a military council, abrogated the 1970 Constitution and imposed martial law. On 25 September 1987, Rabuka deposed the Governor General and declared Fiji a republic. By December 1987, an Interim Government was established under the leadership of Ratu Mara and Ratu Penaia Ganilau. In 2000, George Speight with the support of members of army’s Counter Revolutionary Warfare Unit (CRWU) abducted the Peoples’ Coalition Government and held ministers hostage in Fiji’s parliament for fifty six days. George Speight’s group argued that the Government of Indo-Fijian Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry was implementing policies detrimental to indigenous Fijians. Similar arguments were made by Rabuka in 1987. This time around, the 5 December 2006 coup was executed by army Commander Frank Bainimarama, who was involved in a five year fight with the SDL over moves to bring Speight supporters into government. Moreover, the tensions between the army and the government were further fuelled by three controversial bills – Racial Tolerance and Unity Bill, Qoliqoli Bill and Land Claims Tribunal Bill – which were seen by the army as a threat to national security. Bainimarama usurped power by desposing the President of Fiji, Ratu Josefa Iloilo and invoking the “doctrine of necessity” that allowed military intervention in Thailand and Pakistan.”

As in previous coups, there are concerns that the 5 December coup may not have support of the vanua (Fijian people). In 1987, Rabuka had support of the Fijians and some sections of the community supported George Speight in 2000. Fiji’s Council of Chiefs has come out strongly against the takeover, placing Bainimarama in a difficult and potentially dangerous situation. If there is a mass uprising of Fijians against the army, the coup may collapse as soldiers refuse to violently subdue popular protest.

* Sanjay Ramesh is a political scientist based in Sydney and writes for the World Press, Asia Pacific Network and Pacific Islands Report.