Latest Coup in Fiji Marks Potential “Archipelago of Failed States” According to Regional Observers
December 12, 2006
Slate: Trouble in Paradise- The international press watches Fiji's slow-motion coup
By Susan Daniels

The military coup headed by Commodore Frank Bainimarama that overthrew the democratically elected government of Fiji has negative economic and regional ramifications according to a Slate report.  Bainimarama has ousted Prime Minister Qarase, claimed presidential powers, suspended civil liberties and placed limits on the media. 

Along with condemnation from the international community, Fiji will face suspension in “hundreds of millions of dollars in United States and European aid,” as well as sanctions from other countries within the region. 

The Fiji tourist-based economy is also expected to be negatively affected by the coup.  Despite having “faced no danger during the coup,” news of the overthrow and international travel warnings will undoubtedly impede the flow of tourists into the country.  The Slate says “those that will suffer will be the ethnic Fijians who staff the hotels and make the souvenirs.”  Following the country’s last coup in 2000 the economy of Fiji was “dealt a severe blow,” which involved the emigration of over 100,000 people, “who took with them a large part of the economy’s skill base.” 

The article ties in the current coup in Fiji to the problems of the South Pacific countries in general.  East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Melanesia, Polynesia and Tonga are all cited as countries that have had political unrest in the past year.  A pro-democracy riot in Tonga “left much of that island nation’s capitol in ruins,” and also resulted in eight deaths. 

The Slate quotes another news outlet in the region The Australian as calling the region a potential “archipelago of failed states.”  The author summarizes the situation in Fiji by stating “anybody who thinks of Fiji’s potential, lost in political bitterness, should weep.”