Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently serving a sentence for abuse of office, is under investigation due to comments he made following the 2022 General Election. The inquiry centers on statements he made in December 2022, where he claimed there was alleged instability and violence in the aftermath of the polls.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, confirmed to Fiji Sun that the investigation is examining allegations related to Qiliho’s remarks, specifically concerning unverified reports of stoning incidents and vandalism. “We confirm that there is an investigation regarding the statement issued alleging the stoning incident and vandalism,” stated ACP Waqa.
On December 21, 2022, a week after the General Election, Qiliho reported receiving unconfirmed reports of stoning incidents, despite the callers not wanting to file official reports. He subsequently directed the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to thoroughly investigate reports of vandalism in the area.
The following day, December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would assist the Police in ensuring law and order amid increasing reports of threats against minority groups after the election results. In his statement, Qiliho expressed worries about rising racial tensions and noted an agreement for RFMF personnel to support police operations.
The situation took a turn when Abdul Khan, the former Police chief of operations, resigned on December 23, citing personal reasons. Sources suggest that his resignation was connected to disagreements over incorporating the RFMF into police activities.
RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai recently addressed the tension following the 2022 election during a media interview, acknowledging the potential instability that could have affected the RFMF. He emphasized the organization’s efforts to prevent further unrest.