The Republic of Fiji Military Forces would be constitutionally placed under civilian government direction, with its role primarily focused on defending Fiji against external threats, under the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026.
Section 151 states that the RFMF would be responsible for the “defence and protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic from external threat.”
The provision specifies that while the RFMF Commander would exercise military executive command, the Commander would be “subject to the direction of Cabinet, through the Minister responsible for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.”
The military could support civilian authorities, but only for limited periods and specified purposes prescribed by law.
During a natural disaster or state of emergency, the RFMF could assist other authorities when authorised by Cabinet. However, it would have to act only on a request from the appropriate civilian authority and within the scope of that request.
The Commander would be appointed by the President on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission, following consultation with the responsible Minister.
The Commander would retain powers to appoint and remove RFMF personnel and undertake disciplinary action.
However, decisions on employment conditions, recruitment requirements, salaries, benefits and the overall number of RFMF personnel would require the agreement of the responsible Minister.
The provisions establish a defined constitutional chain of authority from Cabinet, through the responsible Minister, to the RFMF Commander, while preserving the Commander’s executive command and personnel powers.
