Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently incarcerated for abuse of office, is under investigation for comments he made after the 2022 General Election. The inquiry centers on his remarks from December 2022 about alleged violence and instability following the elections.
Mesake Waqa, the Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, confirmed to Fiji Sun that the investigation is looking into 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,” stated ACP Waqa.
On December 21, 2022, a week post-election, Qiliho reported that the police had received unverified claims of stoning. However, those who called did not file official reports. He subsequently instructed the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the reported vandalism.
The next day, December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would assist the police in ensuring law and order due to rising threats against minority groups following the election outcome.
In his statement, Qiliho voiced his concerns regarding escalating racial tensions, noting that an agreement had been established for RFMF personnel to support police operations.
Tensions rose further when former police chief of operations Abdul Khan resigned on December 23, providing personal reasons for his departure. Reports suggest his resignation was connected to disagreements over the decision to involve the RFMF in police duties.
Recently, RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai addressed the tense situation following the 2022 elections in a media interview, acknowledging the risk of destabilization within the RFMF. He emphasized their commitment to avoid further unrest while discussing efforts to involve the RFMF in maintaining order.