The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, has reiterated the military’s position of neutrality amid recent political upheaval in the government. This comes after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka publicly criticized his own cabinet ministers for their attempts to form a new political party, a situation that has captured significant media attention.
Another contentious issue has emerged with the appointment of Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali, who had been under investigation at the time of her appointment. These developments have sparked widespread discussions concerning good governance, accountability, and leadership integrity within the Fiji administration.
Amid this political turmoil, Major-General Kalouniwai emphasized that the military’s role is not to interfere in political matters, stating, “That’s politics, why do we have to be concerned? We’re living in a democratic country today; it’s part of democracy, there is always a position.” His remarks underline the commitment of the RFMF to maintain its distance from political disputes, a stance he has held previously.
In these times of change and unrest, the military’s neutrality can be seen as a positive sign of stability, allowing democratic processes to unfold without interference. This approach could foster a more conducive environment for dialogue and resolution among the various political factions in Fiji.
Summary: Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai of the RFMF has distanced the military from recent political controversies in Fiji, including a cabinet split and the appointment of a controversial FICAC Commissioner, asserting that the military will not engage in political matters as Fiji navigates its democratic processes.
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