The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has officially filed charges against former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, relating to allegations of perjury and providing false information to a public servant. The charges were submitted to the Suva Magistrates Court Registry on September 23, 2025. FICAC’s statement clarified that Kamikamica had been difficult to locate at the time of filing, prompting the decision to summon him to court instead of executing an arrest.
Kamikamica faces one charge of perjury under section 176(1) of the Crimes Act 2009 for allegedly making false statements under oath between December 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Specifically, it is claimed that he denied involvement in the appointment process of the FICAC Commissioner. Alternatively, he has also been charged with providing false information to a public servant, in relation to the same inquiry.
During a recent court session, prosecution counsel Ms. Lilian Mausio indicated that Kamikamica was served with the charging summons on October 2, 2025, and that his defense had been aware of the upcoming mention for 20 days. She also revealed that second-phase disclosures had been provided to the defense counsel earlier the same day. The court has since scheduled the next hearing for Friday, October 24, 2025, at 2:30 PM.
This high-profile case comes amid heightened scrutiny in Fiji regarding governance and accountability, particularly following the controversy surrounding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner. Kamikamica has publicly stated his intention to fully cooperate with the inquiry, emphasizing the need for transparency and affirming that he intends to clear his name.
As the situation develops, there remains a general sense of optimism among citizens that the ongoing investigations could lead to essential reforms in governance and political accountability in Fiji. Many view Kamikamica’s cooperation with FICAC as a positive step towards fostering public trust and integrity within political institutions, thus reinforcing the aspiration for a transparent and accountable governance framework in the future.
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