Another coup

The week's news at a glance.

Fiji

Fiji's military chief, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, declared himself head of state this week, following the tiny Pacific country's fourth coup in 20 years. Bainimarama claimed that the prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, was corrupt. When the president wouldn't dismiss Qarase, Bainimarama sent troops to government buildings, declared himself president, and fired the entire government. Bainimarama appointed the military's senior medical officer, who has no experience in government, to be his prime minister. "This is a sad day for democracy and the rule of law," said Qarase, who was placed under house arrest.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us