Fiji Military

The Government, a three-party coalition led by Sitiveni Rabuka, has been in power for less than a month.

On Tuesday, Major-General Jone Kalouniwai warned the government was taking "shortcuts that circumvent the relevant processes and procedures" which could lead to "long-term national security consequences".

Kalouniwai's statement also highlighted the military's "guardian role" in the constitution, which he claimed was to ensure "excesses [of power] of the past are not repeated".

Recent photos from Australian Defence Force on the ground show the extent of destruction in Atata, much of which was flattened by the tsunami.

ADF troops have been helping with recovery, air lifting in equipment, felling dangerous trees and clearing debris across the island.

Fijian forces joined the relief effort in Tonga last week after a strict COVID-19 isolation period in Australia.

The World Bank estimates the overall damage costs to be more than $125 million, nearly 20 per cent of Tonga’s GDP.

Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto, says they are all receiving treatment and will be allowed to complete their deployment once they recover.

He told FBC that 90 troops in Iraq and 20 in Sinai who tested positive have to be quarantined.

Naupoto says 41 peacekeepers in Iraq have almost completed their isolation period and are about to return to active duty.

According to the military, deployments will continue with all personnel receiving the necessary vaccine pre departure and upon arrival at their mission stations.

476 Fijians are deployed in six missions.

The chief of staff, Colonel Jone Kalouniwai, said the military has learned from past mistakes, and would accept the outcome.

Since 1987, Fiji has been hit by military coups three times within a year after elections.

The 2014 election was the first since Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's coup in 2006.

The instigator of the 1987 coup, Sitiveni Rabuka, is now the leader of the main opposition Sodelpa Party, pitting former coup leader against former coup leader.