The coup d'état orchestrated by Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka marked a significant shift in Fiji’s political landscape. Charged with growing ethnic tensions between the indigenous Fijian population and the Indo-Fijian community, Rabuka acted on September 25, 1987, to displace Governor-General Penaia Ganilau, effectively taking control of the country through military action. This marked a pivotal moment in Fijian history, as it was a response to fears among Indigenous Fijians about their political and economic status in a nation where Indo-Fijians had become increasingly influential in politics and commerce.

The coup was characterized by a swift military intervention, with troops occupying key government installations. Rabuka justified the coup by claiming it was necessary to protect the interests of the indigenous population, which had been perceived to be at risk due to emerging political coalitions and the 1987 elections that favored Indo-Fijian candidates. The action led to the suspension of the constitution and the imposition of military rule. In the aftermath, Fiji's political scene evolved dramatically, with the establishment of a new constitution that favored indigenous Fijian leadership, paving the way for further coups in the following years.

The fallout from the coup extended beyond immediate political changes, creating a legacy of ethnic division and conflict that would influence Fijian society for decades. Rabuka’s regime and subsequent political decisions continued to stir debate over issues of governance, representation, and the rights of different ethnic communities within Fiji. This coup was also pivotal in shaping regional politics in the South Pacific, as it drew international attention to the complex dynamics of post-colonial governance.