Fiji: Coup Rumours
Written byPreetam Rai
Stuck in Fiji Mud of Fiji reports that U.S. and Australia are taking the rumours of an impending coup in Fiji seriously and making contingency plans. Growing tensions between the prime minister and the military chief is said to be fuelling the rumours. Mayvelous in Fiji writes that people in Fijian capital city of Suva are also talking about the coup.
Written byPreetam Rai
1 comment
I’d be very surprised if a coup occurred in Fiji anytime soon. This is just a case of political posturing. However, the two laws the government is trying to push through (an amnesty for those involved in the May 2000 coup and the delivery of Fiji’s seashore to indigenous groups) are important. These laws would have a very negative impact if implemented, so it’s good that the army is standing against them. However, I don’t think they’ll actually overthrow the elected government to stop this legislation. After all, what would follow such a coup? We’ve all seen the social and economic disasters which followed the 1987 and 200 coups, and I’m very sure the army won’t wish to revisit that. So just keep your hands on the table, partners, and keep talking.