Coups Left Deep Scars on Fiji’s Economy: Economist

Fiji's economic landscape bears the deep scars of its turbulent political past, a reality underscored by development economist Dr. Asaeli Tuibeqa. Speaking before the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Dr. Tuibeqa articulated how successive coups have created a persistent "coup gap," hindering the nation's recovery and progress. As FBC News reports, his testimony offers a stark assessment of the long-term consequences of political instability.

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Repeated political upheavals have left serious and lasting damage on Fiji’s economy, weakening institutions, slowing development and driving skilled workers out of the country.

Dr. Tuibeqa, who also serves as the Dean of the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies at the Fiji National University, explained that each political crisis inflicted economic setbacks from which Fiji never fully recovered before the next disruption occurred. This cyclical instability has weakened the nation's "immune system"—its resilience, governance, and institutional strength. The repercussions are far-reaching, including diminished investor confidence, disrupted policymaking, and the erosion of public institution effectiveness.

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Fiji’s history of political instability created what he described as a “coup gap” that the country has struggled to recover from over time.

Perhaps most critically, the repeated upheavals have accelerated the exodus of skilled professionals across vital sectors such as health, education, engineering, and public administration. This "brain drain" severely impacts Fiji's capacity to build resilience and sustain long-term development. Compounding these internal vulnerabilities is Fiji's heavy reliance on tourism, making it particularly susceptible to external shocks, especially during periods of political uncertainty.

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He says the instability weakened Fiji’s “immune system” in terms of resilience, governance and institutional strength.

Dr. Tuibeqa's message is a call to action for a fundamental shift in leadership. He advocates for a culture prioritizing healing, strategic foresight, and a commitment to national development. Fiji needs leaders who possess not only capability but also a deep understanding of our cultural identity, leaders who can guide the nation toward prosperity through strengthened institutions, improved governance, economic diversification, and robust investment in human capital. Building true resilience requires political stability, institutional trust, and an economy that genuinely creates opportunities for all Fijian communities.

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According to Dr Tuibeqa, the continued loss of skilled workers has affected Fiji’s ability to build resilience and sustain long-term development.