Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently imprisoned for abuse of office, is now under investigation for comments he made following the 2022 General Election. The inquiry centers on statements he made in December 2022 concerning alleged instability and violence after the elections.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, confirmed to Fiji Sun that the investigation is examining Qiliho’s claims about 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 remarked.
On December 21, 2022, just one week after the elections, Qiliho reported that police had received unconfirmed claims of stoning incidents, although those who reported these incidents refused to file official complaints. He instructed that the Divisional Crime Officer for the North be assigned to conduct 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 following the election results. In his statement, Qiliho expressed concern over rising racial tensions and noted an agreement had been made for RFMF personnel to support police efforts.
However, tensions escalated when former Police Chief of Operations Abdul Khan resigned from his role on December 23, citing personal reasons. Reports suggest that Khan’s resignation was tied to disagreements over the decision to involve the RFMF in police operations.
Recently, RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai addressed the delicate situation following the 2022 elections in a media interview, acknowledging the tension that could have destabilized the RFMF. He emphasized the necessity of involving the RFMF while reaffirming their commitment to preventing further unrest.