Fiji’s Justice Minister Siromi Turaga resigned Tuesday after an intimate video featuring him circulated widely on social media.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed today after a post-Cabinet meeting that Siromi Turaga had handed in his resignation. Rabuka said he accepted his colleague's resignation. Speaking to journalists in Suva on Tuesday, the Prime Minister noted he took no further action regarding the specifics.
Last Friday, just before Fiji marked its 56th independence anniversary, an explicit video appeared on Turaga's Facebook profile. The acting Attorney-General was in New Zealand when the clip emerged. The scandal has dominated Fijian social media over the weekend.
Siromi Turaga remains an MP and belongs to the People's Alliance party led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Rabuka said there would be no immediate replacement for Turaga and that the Solicitor-General's Office would handle all legal advice for the Government.
A pattern of digital scandals
This is the second such scandal to rock the Pacific island nation's government. Turaga joins Fiji's Information Minister Lynda Tabuya as a senior minister in Rabuka's administration involved in such a controversy. Tabuya had an intimate video leaked online in 2024. A private recording of a female cabinet minister went viral on Christmas Eve in 2024, with the minister stating it was meant for her husband.
Rabuka initially suspended Tabuya and shifted her to the backbench in early 2025, though she returned to her role in August last year. The contrast in outcomes highlights different responses to similar breaches of digital privacy within the same administration.
Ministerial outcomes compared
Siromi Turaga
Justice Minister
Resigned
- Remains an MP
- Stays in People's Alliance party
- Video surfaced while overseas
Lynda Tabuya
Information Minister
Suspended then reinstated
- Moved to backbench in early 2025
- Reinstated in August last year
- Video leaked on Christmas Eve 2024
Uncertainty over the source
The Minister concerned has remained silent since yesterday regarding whether his account was hacked or if the post was accidental, fijivillage.com reported on Saturday. He has also not confirmed if the Online Safety Commission has been alerted as the video is now being circulated.
In the days leading up to the resignation, the Prime Minister had taken a stance requiring verification of the allegations. "You mentioned him? Go ahead and report him to me and the Online Safety Commissioner, and I will get proof from that authority with you making the allegations," Rabuka said.
What we know
- Siromi Turaga resigned on Tuesday.
- Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka accepted the resignation.
- Turaga remains an MP and party member.
Still unclear
- Whether the minister's account was hacked or the video was uploaded accidentally.
- Whether the Online Safety Commission has been formally alerted.
Political timeline and next steps
As the Rabuka Government pursues major constitutional reforms, this saga unfolds. Plans include a national referendum in December and a general election no later than February 6, 2027. The timing places the resignation squarely within a period of significant political transition for the island nation.
- Last FridayVideo surfaces
An explicit video appeared on Turaga's Facebook profile on the eve of Fiji's 56th independence anniversary.
- TuesdayResignation
Siromi Turaga stepped down from cabinet and Prime Minister Rabuka accepted the resignation.
- DecemberReferendum
A national referendum on constitutional reform is touted for this month.
- February 6, 2027General Election
The next general election must be held by this date at the latest.
