Financial Crime World

Fiji Hit with Financial Sanctions and Embargoes after Coup

The 2006 coup d’etat in Fiji led several nations to impose financial sanctions and embargoes on the country’s military-led government. These measures had far-reaching consequences for Fiji’s economy, which remained under sanction until elections were held in 2014.

International Reactions

Several countries imposed sanctions against Fiji, including:

  • Australia: Suspended development aid to the country and imposed travel restrictions on senior Fijian officials.
  • France: Imposed financial sanctions and suspended military cooperation with Fiji.
  • New Zealand: Suspended military cooperation with Fiji and froze assets held by the government in Kiwi banks.
  • Samoa: Imposed travel restrictions on senior Fijian officials.
  • United States: Levied financial sanctions against Fiji.

The Fijian government strongly opposed these sanctions, with Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama accusing foreign powers of meddling in his country’s internal affairs. In response to the sanctions, China, India, and Russia expanded their diplomatic ties with Fiji, providing financial assistance and other forms of support to the government.

Public Opinion

In Australia, public opinion was divided on the issue:

  • A 2010 Lowy Institute poll found that:
    • 56% of respondents supported retaining limited travel restrictions against Fiji.
    • 24% opposed all sanctions and wanted normalization.
  • In 2012, another Lowy Institute poll found that:
    • 79% of Australians supported restarting dialogue with Fiji.

In Fiji, a survey conducted by the Lowy Institute revealed:

  • 66% of respondents approved of Prime Minister Bainimarama, with Indo-Fijians expressing particularly strong support for him.
  • Widespread disapproval among Fijians of their country’s suspension from the Pacific Islands Forum and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Resolution

The sanctions ultimately ended in 2014 after Fiji held elections widely regarded as free and fair. The country was subsequently readmitted to the Commonwealth and the Pacific Islands Forum, marking a significant turnaround in its international relations.