Former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho have been formally charged in the Suva Magistrates Court with inciting mutiny, a serious offense under Section 72(1)(b) of the Crimes Act 2009.
The first charge details that Bainimarama allegedly sent Viber messages to Brigadier General Manoa Gadai between January 1 and July 31, 2023, in an attempt to persuade him to assume command of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) by force.
In a joint second charge, both Bainimarama and Qiliho are accused of conspiring between July 1 and July 31, 2023, to incite senior RFMF officers, including Lieutenant Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale and Colonel Aseri Rokoura, to unlawfully arrest and usurp the authority of the current RFMF Commander, Jone Kalouniwai.
The charges were filed under the Criminal Procedure Act by a public officer. Each of the accused has been granted a non-cash bail of $10,000, and the court proceedings are set to continue on March 5.
This development marks a significant moment in Fiji’s political landscape, showcasing the tensions within the military and political spheres. It remains to be seen how these charges will unfold in court and what implications they may have for Fiji’s governance and stability.
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