Identify the reasons for the 2006 Coup? Which were the controversial bills that led to the confrontation between the military and government during the phase between 2000-2006? [500-800 words]
In December 2006, Fiji witnessed its fourth coup, as there was pressure between the military and government since 2000 coup. The 2000 coup was aimed at the multi-ethnic Government led by Mahendra Chaudhry. The proponents of the coup were an armed faction not closely associated with the military, who opposed their actions. After Bainimarama declared martial law and resolved the crisis by force, an interim government was sworn in, headed by current Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. The Prime Minister was democratically elected in elections in 2001 and 2006, and has since begun to take actions that have provoked the displeasure of the military.
Furthermore, a long-running conflict between the government and military of the Republic of the Fiji Islands reached crisis point in early December 2006. The catalysts for the unrest were three bills under consideration by the Fijian parliament, one of which would question the illegality of the Fiji coup of 2000 and offer pardons to some of the rebels who participated in it. Nine demands were handed down from Commodore Josaia Voreqe (Frank) Bainimarama to Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase largely pertaining 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. This was then deferred to Monday 4 December. After weeks of preparations by the military, on 4 December, 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. On 5 December, many key government ministers and chief executives were placed under house arrest and President Ratu Josefa Iloilo allegedly signed an order dissolving Parliament, though he later made a press statement denying having done so.
Moreover, there were three controversial Bills proposed by Qarase’s government that rose tension between the military and the government. Those three bills are; the Reconciliation Tolerance and Unity Bill, Qoliqoli Bill and the Land Tribunal Bill, all three of which were considered objectionable by the opponents of the 2000 coup. Perhaps the most significant of these has been the Reconciliation Tolerance and Unity Bill, which would grant an amnesty to some of those involved or being investigated for involvement in the coup of 2000, including individuals who are presently officials within government. Qoliqoli Bill, proposed to transfer proprietary rights of qoliqoli areas (beach, lagoon and reef) from the State of Fiji to the qoliqoli owners, who are Fijians. Others such as hotel owners would be required to make payments to the ethnic Fijians holding the rights.
To conclude, 2006 coup is believed to be the “coup to end all coups”. Thus, this coup has enabled the racism to be removed where Great Council of Chiefs had the most say in the government decision making. Due to 2006 coup, it disturbed the international relations such as suspension from Commonwealth and Aid was stopped.