Corruption complaints directed to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) have seen a sharp increase, raising concerns about the organization’s ability to effectively manage its caseload. Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga revealed that the number of complaints surged from 318 in 2023 to 681 last year. In the first half of 2025, however, this number declined to 221 due to the implementation of stricter filtering processes that have redirected non-corruption matters to the Fiji Police Force.
Turaga disclosed that as of June 30, 2025, FICAC had 152 cases actively under investigation. The substantive cases pending in court include 173 in 2023, 195 in 2024, and a projected 170 for mid-2025. Convictions remain notably low, with only nine in 2023, 13 last year, and seven recorded in the first six months of this year.
The Justice Minister attributed the low conviction rates to delays in the court system, as overloaded court schedules often result in adjournments. He mentioned that legal counsel are now requesting adjournments of only three to ten days unless longer delays are unavoidable.
This recent uptick in complaints, while reflecting a growing public confidence in FICAC’s integrity, has also placed significant strain on the commission’s resources and capacity to conduct thorough investigations. Turaga indicated the urgent need for bolstered resources and improved legal processes to tackle corruption effectively, particularly as public awareness campaigns encourage more individuals to report corruption.
In light of these challenges and the necessity for systemic improvements, there is reason for hope. The increased vigilance among the public could pave the way for important changes in governance and a more transparent system. Continued efforts to enhance FICAC’s capabilities and streamline processes could ultimately lead to a more accountable and trustworthy governance framework in Fiji.