Peacekeepers to help guard Fiji’s security

Returning peacekeepers from Iraq will be redeployed to help protect Fiji’s national security, as part of Government’s response to the escalating drug crisis, which has been linked to recent violent deaths across the country.

Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua revealed this plan yesterday, stating the move aligns with recommendations in the national security strategy.

“The idea, as recommended by the national security strategy, is to get soldiers to be involved in part of looking after Fiji’s security,” Mr Tikoduadua told this masthead.

However, he stressed that legal frameworks must be established first before any deployment occurs.

“That is something we are working through because we need to get the legal enablers right,” he said.

The announcement comes after 165 soldiers from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces returned home last month, ending Fiji’s 21-year peacekeeping mission in Iraq.

Mr Tikoduadua clarified that while the reserve soldiers return home following their one-year tour, regular soldiers would resume their military duties.

However, Mr Tikoduadua made clear the military would not lead anti-drug operations despite rising concerns over drug-related violence and deaths.

“That’s not their job to be the lead. That’s a Police job. Law and order, local security is the job of the Police,” he said.

“RFMF comes only to assist when they need to.”

The minister revealed collaboration between Police and military was already happening but stressed the importance of proper legal protection for soldiers.

“When we use soldiers, we also protect them,” Mr Tikoduadua said.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had earlier announced in his New Year’s speech that Government would strategically redeploy returning peacekeepers in support roles to assist Police address serious crime.

Mr Rabuka stressed that this was not about militarising law enforcement.