Military role review urged

The military should be given a greater role in protecting Fiji’s borders as growing maritime security challenges demand a rethink of the country’s defence priorities.

That was the message from Lautoka resident Ratu Joji Nava during Constitution Review Commission (CRC) consultations in Lautoka yesterday, where he called for constitutional changes that would allow the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) to undertake border protection responsibilities.

Mr Nava said Fiji’s security environment had changed significantly and that the Constitution should reflect the country’s modern needs, particularly in safeguarding its maritime boundaries and territorial waters.

He referred to Section 131 of the Constitution, which establishes the RFMF and outlines its functions, saying the provision should be expanded to include border protection duties.

“The military was created during a different period in history when global conflicts such as the First and Second World Wars shaped national security priorities,” Mr Nava said.

However, he said Fiji now faced different challenges that required stronger border management and maritime surveillance capabilities.

Mr Nava told the consultation that Fiji should review its national security structure to ensure it was better equipped to respond to modern threats and protect its vast ocean territory.