Fiji’s government says there is no need to declare a state of emergency at this stage, despite growing concern over drugs, organised crime and the expanded role of security forces.
The statement follows a meeting of the National Security Council chaired by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The council reviewed Fiji’s law and order situation, fuel supply, economic conditions, financial stability and contingency planning.
According to FijiVillage, the government said advice from the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces did not recommend a state of emergency, and that the situation remains under control.
The decision marks a shift from earlier public discussion that emergency powers were being considered as Fiji confronts its drug problem. Police and military operations are still continuing, with checkpoints and raids being used as part of a wider effort to disrupt drug networks. ABC reported earlier that Fiji’s police and military had joined forces in roadblocks across the country as part of the crackdown.
The government has urged the public to remain calm, continue normal activities and rely on official information.
The update comes while Fiji remains under public scrutiny over the death of Jone Vakarisi, who died after being taken in for questioning by the military. His death is being treated as a murder investigation, and no charges have yet been reported.
Human rights concerns have also been raised over the drug operations and the earlier possibility of emergency powers. The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission said any emergency declaration would need to meet strict legal and human rights standards, and should only be used as a last resort.
