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.
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.
-
July 13 editorial cartoonsCartoons Sunday's political cartoons include new TSA rules, FEMA cuts, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy complimenting Donald Trump's new wardrobe
-
5 weather-beaten cartoons about the Texas floodsCartoons Artists take on funding cuts, politicizing tragedy, and more
-
What has the Dalai Lama achieved?The Explainer Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader has just turned 90, and he has been clarifying his reincarnation plans
