The military must maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual offenses. Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), acknowledged that incidents of sexual abuse have occurred within the military, both in Fiji and during overseas deployments. He highlighted a recent case in the Middle East that resulted in the dismissal of four soldiers.
A team was sent to investigate the incident, and upon their return, they provided findings related to the case. The situation was managed by the commander of the joint task force responsible for deployments, and those implicated were discharged from the RFMF.
Kalouniwai emphasized the serious consequences of such offenses, noting their potential impact on military operations in the Middle East and in Fiji. He stressed the importance of mutual respect among service members, urging them to treat their colleagues as they wish to be treated.
He further pointed out that promoting inclusivity and gender equality is crucial for the RFMF, especially as more female soldiers are being recruited. Efforts are underway to enhance support structures and mechanisms for these soldiers. Kalouniwai acknowledged that any wrongdoing can tarnish the RFMF’s reputation and raise questions about its operational capacity.