Fiji: Change in RFMF's support role to Police unlikely following death in custody

Between 30 March and April 10, unauthorised individuals attempted to gain entry to several Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) installations, with the RFMF declaring that all weapons, ammunition, and other sensitive items were accounted for. Around 14 April, it was reported that the RFMF and Fiji Police Force (FPF) were conducting operations to arrest suspects involved in the incidents. Around 17 April, the RFMF acknowledged that a known “drug lord,” Jone Vakarisi, died in RFMF custody on 16 April after he and three others had voluntarily surrendered themselves for questioning, stating a suspected pre-existing medical condition (Vakarisi had previously been found guilty of drug offences and was under trial for further drug offences). One RFMF member is in military custody and a police investigation into the death is underway, with a death certificate noting causes included asphyxia and blunt force trauma to the head and chest. Commander RFMF, Major-General Jone Kalouniwai, also acknowledged that illegal weapons tied to organised crime were in the community and that a criminal network intended “to target state infrastructure". A media report indicated that Vakarisi had been allowed into Queen Elizabeth Barracks in March by the guards on duty.

Assessment: Due to ongoing limited police capacity, it is unlikely that the RFMF’s support role in counter transnational drug crime will change as a result of this incident. Sentiment analysis indicates a slightly more positive split amongst the public in favour of the RFMF actions compared to those expressing concern over RFMF torture, likening it to deaths of RFMF counter revolutionary warfare soldiers in RFMF custody following the 2000 coup. The RFMF member directly involved is likely to be charged as well as one or two personnel surrounding the suspect’s custody, but senior RFMF leaders are unlikely to be forced to resign. Due to the spread of drug networks in Fiji, it is unlikely that the death of this individual will significantly impact the amount of drug crime in or trafficking through Fiji.

Sources: “Attempted Breach at RFMF Camp: No Weapons Missing,” Fiji One News, April 10, 2026; “RFMF and Police Joint Raids Underway; Drug Accused and His Associates Being Questioned,” Fiji Village, April 14, 2026; “Fiji Military Puts Public on Notice, Citing National Security Threats,” RNZ, April 14, 2026; Vijay Narayan, “Druglord Vakarisi Dead, 3 Released and Evidence of Unauthorized Weapons Outside RFMF’s Inventory – Commander,” Fiji Village, April 18, 2026; “Fiji Military Faces Questions after Death of Jone Vakarisi in Custody,” RNZ, April 20, 2026; Anish Chand, “Military Confirms Unauthorized Weapons in Fiji Linked to Criminal Network,” The Fiji Times, April 18, 2026.