On this day, 38 years ago, May 14, 1987 (April 17, 1987 in the lunar calendar), a coup d'état occurred in Fiji. After independence in 1970, Fiji has long been ruled by a coalition party representing the interests of the Fijian ethnic group. The military is mainly controlled by Fijian soldiers. About 50% of Fiji's population is Indian. In April 1987, the National United Party, which represents the Indian ethnic group, won the general election and formed a government with a majority of Indian seats. Fijians are dissatisfied. On May 14 of the same year, military leader Rambuka launched a coup in the name of eliminating riots and restoring the way of life of Fijians, overthrew the Indian-dominated government and took over power. Under domestic and foreign pressure, Rambuka was forced to give up power and Governor Ganilau temporarily managed the country. On September 23, the Alliance Party and the National Alliance Party reached an agreement to form a bicommunal power-sharing government. Rambuka believed that the goal of achieving Fijian rule had not been achieved, so he launched another coup on September 25, took power, declared Fiji a republic, and established a Fijian dominated government. Commonwealth countries and Britain reacted strongly. Britain revoked Fiji's membership in the Commonwealth, and Australia and New Zealand imposed economic sanctions on Fiji. The coup severely affected Fiji's domestic economy and exacerbated the conflict between Fijians and Indians.