Bainimarama

COMMODORE JOSAIA VOREQE BAINIMARAMA

Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama (commonly known as Frank) is the current Prime Minister of Fiji's interim government.  Bainimarama is a decorated military officer who was named the Commanding Officer of Fiji's Navy in 1988 and was promoted to Commander of the Armed forces in 2000.  In 2000 Bainimarama participated in a coup of Fiji's government, when he forced then-president Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara to resign.   

Following the 2000 coup Bainimarama became increasingly critical of Fiji's government.  He was particularly critical of then Prime Minister Qarase, accusing him of using racial tension for political gain.  In 2006 Bainimarama issued an ultimatum to Qarase to either accede to a list of demands or resign.  While Qarase did accede to some of the demands, he did not come into full compliance with Bainimarama's demands.  Political and military maneuvering ensued, with Bainimarama eventually leading a coup that placed him at the head of Fiji's government.