Timeline of the 2005–2006 Fijian political crisis

Politics of Fiji
Constitution History
Executive President (list) Wiliame Katonivere Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka Cabinet Attorney-General Siromi Turaga Leader of the Opposition Frank Bainimarama
Legislative Parliament Speaker: Naiqama Lalabalavu
Judiciary Supreme Court Chief Justice: Kamal Kumar Court of Appeal High Court
Elections Electoral system Voting Political parties Post-independence elections 1972 Mar 1977 Sep 1977 1982 1987 1992 1994 1999 2001 2006 2014 2018 2022 Next
Local government Recent local elections 2002 2005
Foreign relations Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister: Sitiveni Rabuka Diplomatic missions of / in Fiji Passport Visa requirements Visa policy
Former and informal Monarchy Governor Governor-General Chief Minister Executive Council House of Representatives Constituencies Open Communal National Legislative Council Great Council of Chiefs Chairman Senate Vice-President
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Part of a series on the
History of Fiji
Early history
Discovery of Fiji The rise and fall of Cakobau Colonial Fiji
Modern history
Dominion of Fiji Constitutional crisis of 1977 Coups of 1987 Military–church relations COVID-19 pandemic
Coup of 2000
Timeline Mutinies Mara resigned Iloilo plot Investigations Trials Court Martial
Proposed Reconciliation Commission
Supporters Opponents Qualified positions Military opposition Religious reaction International reaction
Crisis of 2005–2006
Timeline Reaction Unrest in 2006
Coup of 2006
Constitutional crisis of 2009
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The following timeline chronicles the crisis that saw a virtual breakdown in relations between Fiji's government and military fores in late 2005 and early 2006, until it was resolved on 16 January with a truce brokered by Acting President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi.

Source: Fiji Times, 15 January 2006; some details from other sources.

9 January 2006 (Monday), 8.00 a.m.: Commodore Josaia Vorege (Frank) Bainimarama, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, meets senior officers and allegedly orders them to free him by force in the event of his arrest.

Despite his role in the appointment of an interim government in 2000, many of whose members form the nucleus of the present government, Bainimarama has since grown disenchanted with it, accusing it of dealing too leniently with convicted perpetrators of a civilian coup and two army mutinies that rocked Fiji in 2000.

10 January 2006 (Tuesday), 8.30 a.m.: Acting Land Force Commander Lieutenant Colonel Jone Baledrokadroka meets with Senior Military Officers to solicit their endorsement.

11 January 2006 (Wednesday), 10.30 a.m.: Baledrokadroka explains to Bainimarama that the purpose of the previous day's meeting had been Reverse psychology, a military tactic to expose traitors. Bainimarama claims to have believed him.

12 January 2006 (Thursday):

• Bainimarama calls Baledrokadroka to cancel a scheduled meeting.
• 8.30 a.m.: Baledrokdroka meets with all senior officers to outline plans as new Acting Land Force Commander, and orders closure of gates, which reopen at 2 p.m..

13 January 2006 (Friday):

• 9.30 a.m.: Baledrokadroka confronts Bainimarama, asking for his resignation.
• 10.00 a.m.: Bainimarama dismisses Baledrokadroka, claiming to have established that the true purpose of meetings held on the 10th was to plot against him as Commander.

14 January 2006 (Saturday): Bainimarama accuses Baledrokadroka of having threatened to shoot him. Baledrokadroka angrily denies this.

16 January 2006 (Monday): Acting President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi brokers a truce between the Military Commander and the government.

This page was last edited on 11 April 2023, at 05:40