Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently serving a sentence for abuse of office, is now facing an investigation regarding comments he made following the 2022 General Election.
The inquiry focuses on statements Qiliho made in December 2022, in which he claimed there were instances of instability and violence after the election. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed to Fiji Sun that the investigation is examining allegations tied to Qiliho’s claims about unverified reports of stoning incidents and vandalism.
On December 21, 2022, shortly after the election, Qiliho stated that police had received unconfirmed reports of stoning incidents, but those who reported the incidents did not file official complaints. He instructed the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the reported vandalism in the area.
The next day, December 22, Qiliho declared that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would support the police in maintaining law and order, citing an increase in threats against minority groups following the election results. In his remarks, he voiced concerns over rising racial tensions and announced an agreement for RFMF personnel to assist police efforts.
The situation intensified when former Police Chief of Operations Abdul Khan resigned on December 23, citing personal reasons. Sources suggest that Khan’s resignation was connected to disagreements over involving the RFMF in police operations.
RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai recently addressed the tense atmosphere following the 2022 elections in a media interview, acknowledging potential destabilization within the RFMF. He emphasized their commitment to involving the RFMF while working to prevent any further unrest.