Another coup

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.