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S E C R E T SUVA 000462 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2016 
TAGS: PREL MARR CASC ASEC FJ
SUBJECT: FIJI CIV-MIL SITUATION: COB 10/31 UPDATE 
 
REF: SUVA 460 (AND PREVIOUS) 
 
Classified By: Amb. Dinger.  Sec. 1.4 (B,D). 
 
RFMF delays Presidential order for Bainimarama suspension 
--------------------------------------------- ------------- 
¶1. (S) Following up on reftel, on the morning of 10/31, Fiji 
President Iloilo signed orders requested by PM Qarase to 
suspend Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander 
Bainimarama pending an investigation of subversion charges 
and to install Col. Meli Saubulinayau as Acting Commander. 
The President reportedly phoned Capt. (Navy) Teleni, Acting 
RFMF Commander while Bainimarama is traveling in the Middle 
East, and presumably Col. Meli to personally convey the 
orders.  We understand Meli then spoke with Land Forces 
Commander Col. Pita Driti and 3FIR Commander LtCol. Tevita 
Mara, the two officers who actually command the active-duty 
troops in the RFMF.  Both reportedly said they would not 
support the changes, and they want to await Bainimarama's 
return to Fiji.  Meli told us RFMF leaders were "worked up" 
and were ready to act against the government.  In that light, 
Meli proposed that he and Teleni visit the President.  When 
they did so in early afternoon, the President reportedly 
reiterated that his directives stand as given.  However, the 
President apparently agreed not to press for enforcement 
until Bainimarama has returned to Fiji.  RFMF sources say 
Bainimarama intends to continue with his Nov. 2-5 visit to 
Iraq and to return to Fiji on Nov. 8. 
 
RFMF standing up, standing down, a waiting game 
--------------------------------------------- -- 
¶2. (U) In late morning, the RFMF's Force Training Group (FTG) 
issued arms and ammunition to some active-duty troops with 
orders to "lock and load," and the main camp, Suva's Queen 
Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) was locked down.  We are told the 
FTG later gathered back the arms and stood down from the 
alert.  Meanwhile, the RFMF has moved up its order for all 
territorial (reserve) forces to report to camp.  Originally 
they were to report on Thursday; now it is by 4 p.m. today 
(Tuesday).  Fiji radio reports those forces are gathering as 
requested, with full kit.  A shipment of ammunition on the 
Suva wharf (reftel) remains a bone of contention between the 
RFMF and Police Commissioner Hughes.  Reportedly there is to 
be a joint media statement Wednesday a.m. 
 
Comment 
------- 
¶3. (S) It appears that key RFMF officers are remaining 
aligned with Bainimarama in the face of direct orders from 
the Commander in Chief to suspend the Commodore and install 
an interim replacement.  That is a bad sign for 
civil-military relations.  Bainimarama was still in the 
Middle East as of Monday evening, and it takes at least 24 
hours to fly back to Fiji if he should wish to rush home. 
The interim, however long, provides time for machinations 
from Bainimarama, from within the RFMF, and from the Qarase 
Government (which thus far has stayed publicly silent).  The 
Government, and presumably the President, hoped and prayed 
that RFMF senior officers would bow to a direct, lawful order 
from their Commander in Chief.  For now at least, that hasn't 
happened.  Bainimarama, who reportedly already had 
preparations well under way for a coup, is likely to be even 
more motivated now.  We have provided EAP/ANP and PACOM FPA 
background, talking points, and contact info for any efforts 
PACOM, CENTCOM, or the Pentagon perceive as potentially 
helpful to convince Bainimarama or others in the RFMF 
leadership to abide by the rule of law. 
DINGER