Fiji’s military has hit out against budget cuts it copped last Friday.
In a social media post, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), which has gained influence in law enforcement over the last year, issued an apparent warning to detractors to recognise the role they play in Fijian society.
“The RFMF… genuinely respects the concerns raised in public commentary… that military spending should be reduced on the grounds that Fiji is not engaged in conventional warfare,” RFMF commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said.
“But we ask those who hold this view to look again.”
In the 2026-2027 Budget, the RFMF lost around FJ$14.8 million – a 9 percent cut – and is projected to lose another $1.1 million next year.
Fiji Sun reported that, for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the rationale behind the cut was Fiji’s decision to scale back overseas peacekeeping commitments.
But the three-part post, titled ‘What the RFMF means to Fiji – Beyond the Budget and into the grey zone’, outlined the military’s view of itself as essential in efforts against the drug trade and corruption – and its social value.
“The RFMF has never asked for recognition. But perhaps it is time we offer it anyway,” it read.
“And in doing so, ask ourselves honestly what it would cost us not to have it.”
While announcing the budget, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel revealed that government revenue was falling while expenditure was climbing.
The country’s budget deficit is more than FJ$200m higher than last year, due in part to a lower tax take.
Immanuel said the government is shifting cash towards infrastructure projects and private sector development.
