Fiji to reassess peacekeeping deployments

Fiji will carefully assess future international peacekeeping missions to ensure taxpayers are not burdened, says Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua.

The Government has directed a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether offers for new missions outweigh domestic and regional security priorities.

Between 2017 and 2022, Fiji spent $299 million on peacekeeping missions, but the United Nations reimbursed only $47 million, according to the 2023 Fiscal Review Committee report.

In the 2025–2026 National Budget, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) received $168 million, including $52 million earmarked for overseas peacekeeping.

Permanent secretary for Defence and Veteran Affairs Mason Smith said the review would provide a clear foundation for future deployments.

“It doesn’t mean we have to pull out all our troops,” Mr Smith said.

“We need to see whether maintaining, adjusting, or expanding our missions is cost neutral for Fiji.”

Fijian troops are currently serving in the Golan Heights and Sinai, with observers in Jerusalem and personnel deployed in other nations.

Mr Smith said the review would ensure that any future deployments are properly funded and meet government priorities such as health, education, and law enforcement.

He highlighted Fiji’s role in maintaining peace in the Pacific, noting regional tensions in areas including Bougainville, New Caledonia, East Timor, and West Papua.

With 156 troops returning from Iraq this Friday after the UN mission ended, attention will also focus on retraining and reinvesting in returning personnel.

The National Peacekeeping Strategy will be developed jointly by the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, the RFMF, and the Fiji Police, with stakeholder consultations before the report is presented to Parliament.

Since 1978, more than 50,000 Fijians have served in peacekeeping missions in volatile regions, including Lebanon, the Golan Heights, Iraq, Darfur, and Timor-Leste.

Feedback: ivamere.nataro@fijisun.com.fj