Fiji faces a dual crisis as ……

The COVID-19 outbreak in Fiji is not only wreaking havoc on the economy but also raising concerns about potential social unrest, as the crisis threatens to destabilize the small Pacific island nation.A violent street fight in a low-income neighborhood in Suva, Fiji’s capital, has heightened concerns about social unrest amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The brawl, reportedly sparked by food crop theft, has been linked to growing desperation and frustration among locals struggling to feed their families. With the pandemic already ravaging Fiji’s tourism-dependent economy and causing widespread job losses, social workers warn of escalating stress and anger, although one expert believes it’s unlikely to lead to government collapse.

 

‌Apolosi Ranawai Lasei, from the District Council of Social Services, has witnessed the devastating impact of Fiji’s COVID-19 crisis. He notes rising tensions in villages where jobless individuals lack land to plant crops, leading to increased domestic violence and child helpline calls. A recent protest by quarantined villagers, who had run out of food, highlighted the desperation and frustration among Fijians. Lasei observed stress, anger, and frustration as people, unable to access work, finances, or help, broke social distancing rules to seek assistance. This surge in protests, rare in Fiji due to its history of military dictatorship, indicates a growing crisis.

 

According to Fitch Solutions’ Anwita Basu, Fiji faces a heightened risk of social unrest due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the country’s tourism-dependent economy. With the key livelihoods of average Fijians under threat, the firm warns that the country’s hopes for reopening to neighboring markets like New Zealand and Australia may be compromised, exacerbating the risk of social unrest.