The revelation that transnational criminal networks are quick to exploit the chaos and vulnerability that follow natural disasters will attract attention.
Now that we know there are dangerous weapons in the public domain that are not linked to our military, we should be looking at potential loopholes that allow exploitation, manipulation, and the undermining of our systems, policies, and way of life.
This should also extend to how narratives are shaped and perceptions influenced. The need to monitor evolving strategies, networks, and possibilities is now critically important. This is serious business indeed.
We are now being reminded that early preparation is critical for governments. That message comes from Dr Carlo Masala, Conference Chair of the Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies at the Bundeswehr University of Munich. Speaking during regional security discussions, he warned that criminal groups often move swiftly into disaster-stricken areas where state authority is weakened. In such environments, they flourish, feeding off the gaps left by disrupted services and limited resources.
Globally, it is well established that transnational crime networks prey on human suffering and economic distress. Whether through trafficking, drug smuggling, or other illicit activities, they capitalise on instability. We should not be seeing this as distant threats confined to other regions. We have always said that we are not immune to the troubles of the world.
Pacific Island nations face similar risks, particularly when governments are slow to reassert control after major disasters. So, our region is not exempt. We have to realise that the same vulnerabilities apply when systems are strained and authority is temporarily diluted.
This is why preparation must begin long before disaster strikes. As emphasised, the groundwork must be laid early. Training, planning, and coordination should already be in place well ahead of any storm. Waiting until a crisis unfolds is too late. The real challenge now lies in ensuring control can be maintained or quickly restored in affected areas, guided by prior readiness rather than reactive decision-making.
Prof Masala also noted that ongoing discussions between the European Union and Fiji are focused on structured dialogue, an opportunity to strengthen understanding and cooperation around these emerging threats. Naturally, these revelations raise more questions.
Are we well positioned to deal with challenges that are only now becoming clearer? Do we have the capacity to adapt to increasingly complex and unpredictable risks?
The issue of arming specialised police units is likely to resurface. We now have the reality that weapons outside military control exist in the public space. The extent is unclear though. How many, where they are, and who possesses them are important questions.
For now, the challenge is in understanding these complexities and determining what works best for Fiji. The collaboration between the military and police is a positive step forward. It reflects recognition that security today requires coordinated, multi-agency responses.
Still, concerns about frontline vulnerability will persist, particularly as the threat landscape evolves and operational demands shift.
We need clarity of purpose. Those entrusted with national security must quickly grasp the scale and nature of the risks, confront them with urgency, and develop strategies, policies, and safeguards that are practical and forward-looking.
Because at the heart of this issue lies much more than just security. We have to accept that our vulnerabilities, if we are not prepared, have the potential to ripple across every aspect of life. And we are talking about economic stability, public safety, and social cohesion.
There are hidden dangers that we must wake up to! Now!
