Fiji’s President and Commander-in-Chief, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, announced that the government will make a decision this year regarding an invitation for Fijian peacekeepers to serve in Gaza. During a speech to Parliament on Monday, the President acknowledged the vital contributions of Fijian peacekeepers, who have represented the nation in various international missions over the past 48 years.
Ratu Naiqama praised the dedication and professionalism of Fiji’s peacekeepers, highlighting their esteemed global reputation that enables the nation to excel in peacekeeping efforts despite its relatively small size. “This year, the Government will decide on the invitation for peacekeeping in Gaza from the Israeli and U.S. Government,” he stated, reaffirming Fiji’s ongoing commitment to global peace and stability.
Fiji has built a distinguished record in international peacekeeping, earning significant respect on the world stage. Given the evolving security dynamics, the country is reevaluating its peacekeeping operations to align them more closely with its domestic and regional security objectives. This reassessment is in response to recommendations from Fiji’s National Security and Defence Review, which called for a strategic evaluation of previous commitments in light of changing geopolitical realities.
In this context, the Fiji Government intends to draft a National Peace Operations Strategy (NPS) aimed at guiding future deployments and addressing needs for capabilities, training, and resource allocation. The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs is actively seeking a consultant to assist in the development of this strategy, recognizing the need for a comprehensive national framework for peacekeeping operations.
The NPS will seek to clarify Fiji’s strategic goals in peace operations and identify key areas for engagement while establishing an implementation plan based on the resources available. Additionally, the plan will consider Fiji’s potential to take on a regional leadership role, particularly through leveraging the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Disaster Response Camp as a base for regional operations.
Through careful strategic planning and assessment, Fiji aims to enhance its contribution to international peacekeeping and adapt to the shifting landscape of global security challenges. This commitment not only reflects Fiji’s longstanding dedication to peace but also positions the nation as a proactive player in regional and global stability efforts.