Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently imprisoned for abuse of office, is now facing an investigation related to comments he made following the 2022 General Election.
The focus of the inquiry centers on his December 2022 assertions regarding alleged instability and violence after the election. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed to Fiji Sun that the allegations pertain to Qiliho’s claims about unverified reports of stoning incidents and vandalism, which are now being scrutinized.
On December 21, 2022, just days after the General Election, Qiliho stated that the police had received uncorroborated reports of stoning incidents, although those reporting had opted not to file formal complaints. He subsequently directed the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to undertake a comprehensive investigation into claims of vandalism in that region.
The following day, December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would aid the police in ensuring law and order, in light of rising threats against minority groups following the election outcomes.
In his statement, Qiliho raised concerns about escalating racial tensions, noting that an agreement had been reached for RFMF personnel to lend support to police activities.
However, tensions mounted when former Police Chief of Operations Abdul Khan resigned from his role on December 23, citing personal reasons. Sources suggest that Khan’s resignation was related to disagreements over the decision to involve the RFMF in police operations.
Recently, RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai addressed the volatile situation post-2022 polls in a media interview, recognizing the potential instability that could have affected the RFMF. He emphasized the attempts to integrate the RFMF into operations while reaffirming their dedication to avoiding further unrest.