Fiji: Major announcements demonstrate the new Police Commissioner’s strategic priorities
A joint task force has been established between the Fiji Police Force (FPF) and Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) to target drug crime. This followed a meeting between Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, and RFMF Commander, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, around 23 February. Earlier in the week, Commissioner Tudravu publicly announced a nationwide operation would occur in March to dismantle all known drug gangs. Separately, the UK are assisting the FPF to update their training curriculum to include methods to address organised crime, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybercrime.
Assessment: The major announcements indicate the new Commissioner’s strategic priorities around drug crime, transnational organised crime, and public trust. Tudravu formally began his role on 3 February - he is a career FPF Officer but retired abruptly in 2021 after a short period as Acting Commissioner (see SPI #10 of 5-18 December 2024). Cooperation with the RFMF has been occurring since at least early 2024 as logistical support, and expansion will also include intelligence and staff officers while the RFMF remain in a supporting role. Despite legal concerns raised previously by Major-General Kalouniwai (see SPI #1 of 1-14 August 2024), increased cooperation is almost certainly being facilitated by the Defence Minister, Prime Minister, and newly appointed Policing Minister who are all previously serving RFMF senior officers. Transnational organised crime and maritime security are key overarching government priorities in addition to national security sector reform. There is a risk that greater RFMF visibility works against PM Rabuka’s other major policy initiative of societal reconciliation and rebuilding public trust as a consequence of the country’s historic coups.
Sources: Sainiani Boila, “RFMF’s Role in Drug Fight Requires Ministerial Decisions,” FBC News, July 22, 2024; Riya Mala, “Police Get Transnational Crime Training Boost,” FBC News, accessed May 10, 2025; Riya Mala, “Police and Military Join Forces to Strengthen Security,” FBC News, February 24, 2025; Praneeta Prakash, “RFMF and Police Form Joint Task Force to Combat Drug Trafficking,” FBC News, February 23, 2025; Sainimili Magimagi, “Nationwide Operation to Tackle Drug Syndicates,” FBC News, accessed May 10, 2025; Praneeta Prakash, “COMPOL Dismisses Presence of Large Drug Labs,” FBC News, February 18, 2025.
