Editorial: More trouble for Fiji

OPINION: Since launching Fiji's fourth coup in less than two decades nearly three years ago, Voreque Bainimarama has attempted to present himself as the misunderstood champion of his troubled country, rather than the tinpot dictator many are now seeing him as.

In his opinion, the Western world – in particular New Zealand and Australia – have obstructed his efforts to build a stronger, more democratic nation and have failed to grasp the significance of what he is trying to achieve.

As with more benign dictatorships, there was, perhaps, an element of good intent when the commodore took it on himself to overturn the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase in late 2006. There is, however, a dangerously large dose of self-delusion behind Commodore Bainimarama's actions, which continue to damage the country he sees himself as attempting to save. There was also a measure of self-interest, given that one pre-coup ultimatum he gave Mr Qarase was to halt a police investigation into his own activities.

The regime's latest move – to expel the leaders of the New Zealand and Australian diplomatic missions in Fiji – demonstrates yet again a bewildering willingness to play bizarre games irrespective of the damage that might be done to ordinary Fijians. That decision, on spurious grounds, led to the closure of New Zealand's high commission in Suva. This will barely be noticed in this country – other than as one further, strong, disincentive to Kiwi tourists to visit Fiji. Given the importance of tourism to a struggling island nation, Commodore Bainimarama's regime could be accused of virtually sabotaging the economy on a whim. The closure will also inconvenience Fijians needing visas to travel here to see family over the summer.

Commodore Bainimarama's stated reason for expelling the New Zealand acting head of mission Todd Cleaver points to paranoid and erratic behaviour. The regime cites a delay in processing a visa application for the sick child of a Fijian judge. In fact, the visa was granted, the trip has been undertaken and appropriate treatment received in Auckland Hospital. A word of thanks from the self-appointed Fijian prime minister might have been more fitting.

In the past three years, the commodore's regime has become increasingly repressive and in keeping with a typical military dictatorship. He has scrapped the constitution and sacked the judiciary after it declared his rule illegal, signing up tame judges in their place – including hiring some from Sri Lanka. He has imposed media restrictions and his soldiers have been accused of imprisoning and beating those deemed to be opponents.

In response, some countries have imposed travel restrictions on groups seen as supporting or benefiting from the illegal regime, Fiji has been suspended from the Commonwealth, excluded from some trade forums and the UN has ruled out employing further Fijian solders for new missions abroad. Such measures must be adding to the pressure on the commodore and his backers. The big question is whether or when ordinary Fijians will recognise the harm their commodore-prime minister has brought to their country – even if in the name of saving it – and rise against him.

- © Fairfax NZ News