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Fiji Coup 2006 - Timeline

Ken Clark

Introduction

The Fijian coup d'état of December 2006 occurred as a continuation of the conflict between the government and military of the Republic of the Fiji Islands (Fiji). The catalysts for the unrest were three contentious bills under consideration by the Fijian parliament, one of which would question the illegality of the Fiji coup of 2000 and offer pardons or amnesty to some of the people who participated in it.

Nine demands were handed down from Commodore Josaia Voreqe "Frank" Bainimarama to Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase largely relating to issues concerning these bills. Bainimarama gave an ultimatum to Qarase to concede to these demands or to resign from his post by Friday 1 December.

However – on that Saturday, the annual sports day between the Army and the Fiji Police was scheduled, so the actions was deferred to Monday December 4. It is the first coup in history to be called off on account of a rugby game.

Here is a time line of notorious events.

1. September 22, 2006 – Military Commander Frank Bainimarama attacked government policies perpetrators of the 2000 coup had created a culture of disrespect for the law, to which he attributed the increasing incidents of rape, homicide, and desecration of Hindu temples. He also criticized the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma, for supporting the government.

2. September 25, 2006 - Prime Minister Qarase accused the Commander’s statements of being unconstitutional, and announced his intention to refer the matter to the Supreme Court for a judgment on the proper role of the military.

3. October 6, 2006 - Captain Neumi Leweni, the spokesperson for the military, called on the Qarase government to resign saying that the government had lost all semblance of credibility, integrity and honesty and that the country was sinking into an economic and financial abyss.

4. October 16, 2006 - Bainimarama issued a three week ultimatum for the government to meet nine demands, or resign.

5. October 31, 2006 - The military staged exercises around Suva and closed off the city’s army barracks.

6. November 1, 2006 - Fiji’s Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes claims that the military forcefully removed seven tonnes of ammunition from the Suva Wharf early this morning. An irritated Hughes said this was done without his approval

7. November 3, 2006 - Budget. Territorial Army called up.

8. November 4, 2006 - Qarase suspended amnesty provisions for the leaders of the 2000 coup from the Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill, saying that they will investigate further whether the provisions were unconstitutional. Up to this point, this was the only concession made to the military’s demands.

9. November 7, 2006 - Fiji’s Military calls on the nation’s police chief Andrew Hughes, to stand down while an investigation into the army’s seizure of an ammunition shipment takes place.- Hughes says “no”.

10. November 17, 2006 - The Fiji military today de-mobilised its territorial soldiers it recalled to the camps around budget time at the height of the military’s disagreement with the Government. Over three thousand soldiers from around the country were involved in what military leaders say was an annual exercise.

11. November 20, 2006 - A committee of the Great Council of Chiefs tasked to mediate a solution in the military-Government impasse finds the military too elusive.

12. November 23, 2006 - Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes refuted claims that his officers had stormed the President's Office today in search of military documents.

13. November 25, 2006 - Fiji's army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says Police Commissioner Australian Andrew Hughes "should pack and leave now" or will be forced to do so by the military.

14. November 26, 2006 - The crisis came to a head when, during a private trip to New Zealand, Bainimarama called up 1,000 reserve troops to the Fijian Army, and reiterated his intention to topple the Fijian government. This came shortly after police revealed that he would soon be charged with sedition.

15. November 28, 2006 - Qarase flew to New Zealand to meet with Bainimarama. The meeting lasted two hours, but no resolution was reached. Both men returned to Fiji after the meeting.

16. November 30, 2006 - Qarase partially conceded to some of the demands - He agreed to suspend the three bills mentioned amongst the demands, and to drop them altogether if a review found them unconstitutional; he recognized that the 2000 coup had been illegal.

17. December 1, 2006 - After the deadline passed Qarase said that the deadline had been extended until December 3, due to the annual rugby game played between the National Police and the military, but Bainimarama denied that there was an extension. He said he intended to begin a "clean up" campaign of government. Qarase and his government moved to secret locations.

18. December 3, 2006 - Bainimarama announced that he had taken control of Fiji, but Qarase emerged from hiding and said he was still in charge. Fiji's civil service was still taking its instructions from the civilian administration.

19. December 4, 2006 - A well orchestrated military presence made itself known in Suva by setting up strategic road blocks, making public demonstrations of their presence and seizing weapons from opposing factions, including the police. Fijian troops confiscated arms at the headquarters of the armed police division in Nasinu. Troops later surrounded the Police Academy in Suva and removed weapons from the armoury.

20. December 5, 2006 - Mr. Qarase asked New Zealand and Australian governments for military assistance. (Note that he categoricaly says that this is not do.) This was declined. The military forces said that all ministers would be under house arrest, and all ministers' vehicles and mobile phones seized by the end of the day. The military surrounded Qarase's house at around 12 p.m., and were trying to force their way in. It was on this evening that several, soldiers, four of them armed, entered our television newsroom uninvited and suggested that we should broadcast what they said. They wanted us to broadcast nothing about or from the ousted government and to say only good things about the military. We chose not to broadcast the late evening news bulletin that evening rather than damage our credibility by adhering to their demands. The Fiji Times also chose not to publish the next day. The next day we held an industry meeting at the offices of our lawyers and chose to follow two paths – one the legal one and the other was to go and see the military people and remind them of the importance of media freedom. The army apologized and for the most part has left media alone since. The industry agreed that we would follow the Fiji Media Council guidelines as we always do and the military asked that we not incite to violence. When little events of concern happened subsequently, we reminded them of their promise.

21. December 6, 2006 - Bainimarama announced that the military had taken control of the government and executive authority in the running of the country. He said he was assuming the presidency until the following week when the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) would reappoint President Ratu Josefa Iloilo who would then have the authority to appoint an interim government. However, the GCC slammed Bainimarama's "illegal, unconstitutional" activities.

22. December 7, 2006 -The army did not gain the support of several key bodies. The Great Council of Chiefs called the coup illegal and called upon soldiers to "to leave the barracks and return home to your people".

23. December 13, 2006 - The Fijian Affairs Board chief executive Adi Litia Qionibaravi was officially terminated from her post and was replaced by former Fijian Affairs CEO and the commander’s eldest brother, Ratu Meli Bainimarama. The GCC meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday and Thursday next week in Suva.

24. December 15, 2006 - Bainimarama told a press conference that he would agree to attend a forthcoming meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs, the feudal body empowered to choose the country's President, Vice-President, and 14 of the 32 Senators, only in his capacity as President of the Republic.

25. December 17, 2006 - Fiji's army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama threatens to postpone the Great Council of Chiefs emergency meeting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday this week. Speaking in Fijian on a Fiji TV programme this afternoon, Bainimarama warned the GCC against making any further anti military comments. "They are talking too much," he said. He expressed anger at the GCC for undermining the military's authority.

26. December18, 2006 - Fiji army commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says he will only attend the Great Council of Chiefs meeting this week if he is invited as President. Commodore Bainimarama said he had not received his invitation yet nor was he informed of the agenda.

27. December 19, 2006 - On December 19, the Department of State announced a series of U.S measures undertaken in response to the military coup. These included the suspension of military training and aid to the Fiji Military. The State Department said these measures will stay in place until the President or Secretary of State determines that a democratically elected government has taken office in Fiji.

28. December 21, 2006 - Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs has called on ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase to tender in his resignation to move the country forward in its resolution to resolve the current political impasse, the GCC said there was no viable option but for Qarase to resign.” In view of the actions of the military, the government of Laisenia Qarase has been rendered ineffective and incapable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities,” the GCC said.” In the circumstances, there being no other viable alternative, the GCC has regretfully advised the Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, to tender his resignation to the President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo.

29. December 22, 2006 - Qarase told Fiji TV that he was amenable to the GCC request for him and his government to resign but he had to take the request to the SDL caucus.

30. January 3, 2007 - CJ and DCJ removed from office. Commodore Bainimarama said Justice Fatiaki and Lomaiviti have agreed to take leave following numerous complaints that the military received of corruption and irregularities in the judicial system.”(Fiji Live)

31. January 4, 2007 - Bainimarama restored Ratu Josefa Iloilo to the Presidency. The President made a broadcast endorsing the actions of the military and laying out a mandate for the interim government which included as a priority the drafting of legislation providing immunity to all supporters of the revolution. The next day, Iloilo formally appointed Bainimarama as the interim Prime Minister, indicating that the military was still effectively in control.

32. January 5 2007 - A 32-page document released by the Fiji Human Rights Commission has justified the overthrow of the Soqosoqo ni Duavata ni Lewenivanua-led government, saying it was not democratically elected.

33. January 8 - Eight interim government Ministers were sworn in. Including the former cabinet minister Bune and speaker of the house Ratu Epeli Nailatikau – who is also the UN special envoy for HIV Aids in the Pacific

34. January 9 - Interim government ministers sworn in. Including Mahendra Chaudary as deputy Prime Minister and alliance opposition member Bernadette Gaunilau. Justice Nazhat Shameem chaired a meeting of the Judicial Services Commission in the absence of the CJ where it was unanimously agreed that Justice Gates be appointed and sworn in as acting CJ. Justice Fatiaki subsequently told local radio that the involvement of Justice Shameem and the appointment of Justice Gates were a betrayal of his trust and a betrayal of the judiciary. He also described Justice Gates appointment as acting CJ as a disgrace. Justice Fatiaki said the actions of the High Court Judges who have supported the Military are also cowardly and mercenary.

35. January 10 - Fiji’s Great Council of Chiefs has thrown its support behind the interim Government led by interim Prime Minister and army commander, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. Council chairman Ratu Ovini Bokini said they supported the President Ratu Josefa Iloilo for appointing the interim administration. The chiefs reaffirmed their support for democracy and the rule of law and its commitment to working with all stakeholders in taking Fiji forward.

36. January 9th - 15th - Various influential groups swing in their opinions over support for the coup. The GCC until now vehemently opposed to the coup now supports the legitimacy of the interim government. The Methodist church decides that God has changed his mind and the originally perceived evil act is now in fact God’s will for the nation. Various government Ministries “warmly receive” there interim ministers. Popular support increases. Meanwhile overseas, Australia and New Zealand lead the international community’s condemnation of events.

37. 17 January 2007 - In a statement after his swearing in as acting CJ, Justice Gates said he welcomed the comments by Interim Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum questioning the military’s authority in the abuse of human rights.

38. 18 January 2007 - President Iloilo signed a decree granting the Commander and all military personnel, along with all officers and members of the police force, prison officers, and all who served the interim government formed after the coup, immunity from all criminal, civil, legal or military disciplinary or professional proceedings or consequences. The decree was published in a government gazette. Tupou Draunidalo, Vice-President of the Fiji Law Society, denounced the decree as illegal. Ousted Prime Minister Qarase also lambasted it as hypocritical, saying that as opposing a proposed amnesty for perpetrators of the 2000 coup was one of the reasons given by the Military for carrying out this coup, it was inconsistent to grant themselves immunity. Justice Fatiaki tried to return to his chambers in the High Court in Suva but was asked to leave by senior police and military officers and eventually escorted home.

39. 19 January - Sugarcane Growers Council chief executive Jagannath Sami returned to work yesterday only to be escorted by soldiers to the Lautoka police station. After an hour at the station, Mr Sami was rushed to hospital. It is believed he suffered from chest pain.

40. Fiji’s President Ratu Josefa Iloilo suspended the Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki and issued directives to investigate allegations of misbehaviour against him.

Former Chief Justice Fatiaki is then banned from overseas travel.

41. 24 January 2007 - Prominent lawyer Richard Naidu is again taken into military custody and questioned following a radio interview with Radio New Zealand where he described Ratu Josefa Iloilo as 'the military's President'. (Today February 18th, Mr. Naidu announced his resignation from Transparency International.)

42. 25 January 2007 - SDL National Campaign Director and businessman Jale Baba says he was subjected to psychological bullying and interrogated by the military on a number of issues including allegations of vote rigging during his two-day detention at QEB in Nabua.

43. 26 January 2007 Pacific Centre for Public Integrity director Angie Heffernan is hiding with her family from the military. She becomes the second individual who has retreated in fear after speaking out against the military.

44. 25 January 2007
Travel ban imposed on sacked Sugarcane Growers Council chief executive officer Jagannath Sami. Director Immigration Viliame Naupoto confirmed that Mr Sami was also placed on the travel ban list.

45. 27 January 2007 Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive Jagannath Sami has gone into hiding in fear of threats against him and his family.

46. 28 January 2007 - SDL campaign director again detained at QEB. His questioning and detention is recorded, by invitation, and carried on the front page headlines in Fiji Sun newspaper.

47. 30 January 2007 - Deputy Commissioner of Police Sada Nand and Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Samuela Matakibau are among the latest people taken-in and detained by military for questioning.

ASP Nasir Ali appointed to head corruption probes.Representatives from various organisations met the Eminent Persons Group and later Interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

48. February 02, 2007 -The military seizes two rifles and ammunition from the homes of two senior police officers.

49. February 03, 2007 -Methodist issues and publishes statement. Titled 'Here We Stand', the statement said the takeover was a "treasonous act against the State". The statement went on to say that the coup had lead to more poverty, judging from the increasing number of members seeking assistance from the church. In its statement, the church said every action of the military since the takeover was illegal.

50. A FIJI Times photographer was detained at the military camps in Nabua for about an hour yesterday afternoon. Sitiveni Moce was on an assignment at the Centenary Church in Suva when soldiers in full combat gear attacked him.

51. According to an eyewitness at about 3pm seven soldiers in full combat gear jumped out of a rental twin-cab pick-up truck and ran inside the church towards the back where the offices are located.

52. February 04, 2007 -Methodist church appears to back statement - The president of the Methodist Church in Fiji, Reverend Laisiasa Ratabacaca, had sighted and approved a press statement before it was released to the media, says church spokesman Rev Iliesa Naivalu.

53. The national director for the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua party, Peceli Kinivuwai, was taken in, for the fourth time, by the military for questioning yesterday at the army camp in Nabua.

54. Fiji sadly is no longer a democracy. Yet media freedom remains in tact. It is our earnest desire that this stays firm so and as an industry we are committed to doing that which is necessary to see that media freedom remains.