Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently serving a sentence for abuse of office, is now facing an investigation concerning statements he made after the 2022 General Election. The inquiry is focused on claims he made in December 2022 about alleged instability and violence following the elections.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed to Fiji Sun that the investigation pertains to Qiliho’s claims regarding 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 elections, Qiliho reported that police had received unconfirmed reports of stoning incidents, although those who reported did not file official complaints. He subsequently instructed that the Divisional Crime Officer for the North undertake a thorough investigation into reports of vandalism in that area.
The following day, December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would assist the police in maintaining law and order due to increasing reports of threats against minority groups after the election results. In his statement, Qiliho expressed concern over rising racial tensions and confirmed that an agreement had been reached for RFMF personnel to support police efforts.
However, tensions further escalated when former Police Chief of Operations Abdul Khan resigned on December 23 for personal reasons. Reports suggest that Khan’s resignation was connected to disagreements regarding the decision to involve the RFMF in police operations.
RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai recently spoke about the tense situation following the 2022 elections in a media interview, acknowledging that unrest could have destabilized the RFMF. He emphasized efforts to involve the RFMF while maintaining their commitment to preventing further disturbances.