Ali calls for military budget cut

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali has called for a reduction in Fiji’s military budget, arguing the country is “not at war with anyone” and that more resources should instead be directed towards building a better-equipped and professionally trained Fiji Police Force.

Referring to the 2025-2026 National Budget, Ms Ali described the $186 million allocation to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces as exorbitant and suggested it be reduced in the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

“We don’t need a highly militarised state. We don’t need the kind of army that we have, because we are not at war with anyone,” she said.

She said there should be a thorough review of the military’s role in the country and that more resources should be directed to the Police.

“I would like to see the police force getting a lot more resources to be able to respond, and I would like to see a very well-trained police force, a robust professional police force.”

Ms Ali said that, given the current state of the economy, the Government should also cut wasteful spending and focus on how the global crisis could exacerbate poverty levels in the country.

She added that the 2026-2027 National Budget should prioritise health, education, gender equality and the prevention of violence against women.