The major highlight on the front page of The Fiji Times for Saturday, September 7, is an exclusive interview with army commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai conducted this week in the jungles of Lautoka.
The aftermath of the 2022 general elections was a delicate time that threatened the stability of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. Major General Kalouniwai shared with The Fiji Times and the online platform The Lens @177 that it was primarily the senior command that maintained cohesion during this period.
The first segment of his interview is set to air tonight at 7 PM on The Fiji Times’ Facebook page and YouTube channel, with the subsequent segments following soon after.
Despite the significant labor shortage in the tourism sector, industry leaders Fantasha Lockington and Brent Hill emphasized that tourism positions should be filled by Fijians, rather than foreign workers. They highlighted that Fijians are regarded as “great hosts” and attribute Fiji’s tourism success to the unique Fijian spirit.
In a reflective setting at the Lololo military camp in Lautoka City, Major General Kalouniwai conducted a significant discussion on various pressing issues. Soldiers were observed returning from jungle training as he shared insights into the fragile state of the RFMF after the 2022 elections.
Kalouniwai pointed out how political developments could have severely impacted the military, crediting senior command for holding the ranks together during that challenging time. He relayed an instance involving a call from former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, who sought military intervention following the elections due to perceived threats of instability.
He elaborated that any RFMF involvement must be carefully considered, highlighting that intervention should only occur when certain critical conditions are met. This includes assessing whether the law and order situation is dire enough to warrant military action.
The exclusive interview delves into pivotal issues affecting the nation, including the enduring influence of Fiji’s coup culture, the necessity for truth and reconciliation, and the changing role of the military in governance. Major General Kalouniwai advocated for military reforms, the acceptance of political direction, and prioritizing the nation’s interests.
His insights also touched on geopolitics, the military’s capacity, and its responsibilities within the country, prompting vital discussions on security and the interaction between police and military forces.
As the future unfolds, there is hope that leaders will prioritize the well-being of the nation and its people. Major General Kalouniwai’s perspectives provide valuable context for navigating the intricacies of Fiji’s political and security environment, underscoring the need for sound leadership and a dedication to national stability.