KEY POINTS:
A sense of powerlessness pervades the aftermath of the military's assumption of power in Fiji. Universal condemnation has greeted the deposing of a democratically elected Government in a creeping coup orchestrated by Commodore Frank Bainimarama, and there has been much talk of sanctions. But there the repercussions will end. The military assistance requested by the deposed Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, as the coup gained momentum was never an option. Now, the world must wait and watch as Commodore Bainimarama sets about moulding Fiji to his singular vision.
Developments have been depressingly familiar. In his role as President, the military chief has appointed Jona Senilagakali, a doctor, as interim Prime Minister. He has no political experience and is, to all intents and purposes, Commodore Bainimarama's puppet. The pretence of civilian participation will fool nobody. Equally predictably, the military has taken steps to censor Fiji's media. Some, quite properly, have refused to publish because of the interference.
The people of Fiji seem to have taken a fatalistic view of events. Perhaps that is not surprising, as this is their fourth coup since 1987. But there were brave words from members of the deposed Government, church leaders and at least one public servant. Mr Qarase was commendably defiant, and the cause of democracy was well served by acting Police Commissioner Moses Driver's refusal to take orders from the military because its action was "unlawful". Too late to have any decisive effect, Fiji's President, Josefa Iloilo, also deemed the coup illegal. This was a setback for Commodore Bainimarama, who appears to want the Great Council of Chiefs to reappoint Mr Iloilo when he terminates his own presidency.
The lack of compliance doomed the military's wish to have other nations view this coup as similar to the one in Thailand which deposed Thaksin Shinawatra's Government. There are too many differences for that ever to have been a realistic possibility, and the hope was quickly killed off by the unanimity of international reaction. Britain, Australia and New Zealand have cut military ties with Fiji, and further sanctions are imminent. These should include the United Nations barring Fiji's participation in future peacekeeping operations. Payment for this role is a significant revenue-earner for Fiji and the reason it can maintain such a large army. The threat the military poses to democracy would be diminished if its numbers had to be reduced.
Fiji should also be expelled from the Commonwealth. This has happened twice before, and doubtless would be greeted scornfully by Commodore Bainimarama. But the casting out of their country has a strong symbolism for the people of Fiji, who stand to suffer most from the coup. The tourism industry has already been affected, and matters will only get worse. Fiji's other main earner, the sugar industry, could also be stricken. But there is good reason to pause before economic sanctions are applied, because of their effect on the Fijian people.
Fiji has recovered from the battering of previous coups and returned to democratic government. But each time, the world has taken a dimmer view and the road has been harder. Fijians pay a heavy price for their military's monopoly on coercion and its willingness to ride roughshod over democracy. The international community's response should concentrate on ridding the country of that calamitous trait.
