Fiji is stepping up preparations to address terrorism and emerging security threats, despite the Government saying a terrorist attack remains unlikely in the foreseeable future.
This is at the centre of Fiji’s new Counter Terrorism Strategy 2026–2030, launched at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua says Fiji must prepare while the country remains at peace, stressing that unlikely does not mean impossible.
Naivalurua says the nature of terrorism and violent extremism has changed, with radicalisation able to occur online, extremist ideas spreading rapidly and violence potentially emerging from individual grievances with little warning.
He says the strategy is about protecting Fiji’s people, communities and institutions, while preserving the peace for future generations.
Naivalurua says Fiji will not tolerate terrorism or violent extremism from any direction, regardless of ideology, motivation or justification.
However, he says counterterrorism measures must remain principled and cannot become a basis for discrimination or suspicion based on religion, ethnicity, village, language or belief.
Naivalurua say Fiji’s response will remain grounded in the Constitution, rule of law, human rights, due process, necessity, proportionality and accountability.
He says counterterrorism is not simply a policing responsibility but a national responsibility, requiring cooperation between government agencies, security institutions, communities, schools, traditional and faith leaders, financial institutions, the technology sector and international partners.
The strategy is built around four pillars - prevention, preparation, response and recovery.
Naivalurua says prevention will focus on identifying and reducing risks before they become threats, while preparation will ensure government, security agencies and critical sectors are ready before a crisis occurs.
He says response will focus on protecting life, containing threats and restoring public safety, while recovery will involve restoring confidence, supporting affected communities and learning from incidents.
Naivalurua says the Government is also developing a Counterterrorism and Suppression of Terrorism Financing Bill with relevant agencies and international partners.
He says the legislation will strengthen Fiji’s legal capacity while ensuring counterterrorism action remains consistent with the Constitution, rule of law and human rights.
Naivalurua says Fiji’s security is also closely linked to the wider Pacific, with the country continuing to work with regional neighbours and international partners on intelligence sharing, border security, financial intelligence, cyber resilience and operational cooperation.
Meanwhile, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Christina Cavallo says threats today cross borders and increasingly move online, making preparedness a shared responsibility.
Cavallo says no single agency can address these threats alone, with security requiring cooperation across government, law enforcement, faith and community leaders, the private sector and international partners.
She says the new strategy is more than a policy document, describing it as a statement of national resolve and a contribution to regional security.
Cavallo says the United States recognises Fiji’s leadership and is proud to stand alongside Fiji as it strengthens its counterterrorism framework.
She says the United States has provided significant support to Fiji in areas linked to security and resilience.
This includes US$500,000 in foreign military financing to strengthen communications capabilities for the Republic of Fiji Navy, which Cavallo says will help Fiji track and disrupt transnational crime and illegal fishing in its waters.
The United States has also committed US$5.14 million over five years to strengthen Fiji’s ability to detect and contain infectious disease outbreaks.
Through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the U.S. has also advanced a US$12 million grant to design and study a compact programme aimed at supporting Fiji’s long-term economic development.
Cavallo says U.S. State Department law enforcement assistance programmes, both through the U.S. Embassy in Fiji and Washington, also helped make the launch of the Counter Terrorism Strategy possible.
She says the United States remains committed to Fiji’s security and prosperity and to strengthening cooperation with its Pacific partners.
The strategy will run until 2030 and will be reviewed annually.
