Fiji: Arrest of former coup leader unlikely to destabilise political or military environment

On 18 February, former Prime Minister Frank Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, were arrested and charged with inciting mutiny. Police allege that from January to July 2023, Bainimarama and Qiliho urged senior military officers to remove the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Major General Jone Kalouniwai. The officers include Brigadier General Manoa Gadai, Colonels Aseri Rokoura and Viliame Draunibaka, and Lieutenant Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale. Both Bainimarama and Qiliho have been granted bail until a court hearing scheduled for 5 March 2026. 

Assessment: Despite accusations that the arrests are politically motivated (a general election is due later in 2026), it is more likely that the timing is due to new evidence collection technology adopted by the Fiji Police Force (FPF). The FPF gained digital forensics tools over December 2025-January 2026 following an investigation into police officers alleged to be involved in drug crime, as well as a general acknowledgement of increased cybercrime and crime being organised online. There are no current indicators of military and political division such as the RFMF officers involved defending their associations with Bainimarama. The arrests are likely to be viewed as enforcement of the rule of law rather than a trigger for political instability.

Sources: Margot Staunton, “Former Fiji prime minister and ex-police commissioner on bail in inciting mutiny case,” RNZ, 19 February 2026; Lice Movono, “Fiji's former prime minister Frank Bainimarama charged with inciting mutiny,” RNZ, 19 February 2026; “Fiji's ex-PM Bainimarama and former police chief charged with inciting mutiny,” RNZ, 19 February 2026; Riya Mala, “Bainimarama and Qiliho charged with mutiny,” FBC, 18 February 2026; Meri Radinibaravi, “Fiji Police Probe Senior Officers Over Alleged Links to Drug Traffickers,” OCCRP, 10 December 2025; Andrew Naidu, “Alleged Plot Revealed,” facebook, 20 February 2026.