Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently serving a sentence for abuse of office, is now the subject of an investigation related to remarks he made following the 2022 General Election. The inquiry focuses on allegations he brought up in December 2022 regarding purported instability and violence in the aftermath of the election results.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed to Fiji Sun that the investigation will examine Qiliho’s claims, which included unverified reports of stoning incidents and vandalism.
“We confirm that there is an investigation regarding the statement issued alleging the stoning incident and vandalism,” ACP Waqa stated.
On December 21, 2022, just a week after the election, Qiliho indicated that the Police had received unconfirmed reports of stoning incidents, although those who reported had refused to file official complaints. He subsequently assigned the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to conduct a thorough investigation into vandalism reports in that region.
The following day, December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would assist the Police in maintaining public order due to rising reports of threats targeting minority groups after the election results were announced.
In his statement, Qiliho expressed his concerns regarding the increasing racial tension, noting an agreement had been reached for RFMF personnel to support police efforts.
However, the situation intensified when former Police Chief of Operations Abdul Khan resigned from his position on December 23, citing personal reasons. Reports suggest that Khan’s resignation was connected to disagreements over the decision to involve the RFMF in policing activities.
Recently, RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai spoke about the delicate situation following the 2022 elections in a media interview, acknowledging the tensions that could have threatened the stability of the RFMF. He emphasized efforts to involve the RFMF while reaffirming their commitment to preventing further unrest.