There is no tolerance for sexual offenses within the military. In response to inquiries, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), acknowledged that incidents of sexual abuse have occurred in 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. “We sent a team there for the Board of Inquiry, and they returned with their findings,” he stated. Ro Kalouniwai explained that the situation was handled by the commander of the joint task force, who is responsible for deployments, and those involved were discharged, no longer needed by the RFMF.
“These are serious consequences because they affect deployments in the Middle East, but similar incidents have also happened in Fiji,” he noted. When asked about the treatment of fellow RFMF members, Ro Kalouniwai emphasized the importance of treating comrades with respect, adhering to the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated.
He pointed out that “everything now is about inclusivity and gender equality,” which is crucial for the RFMF. The organization has a responsibility to support female soldiers who are increasingly being recruited, while also working on the necessary support mechanisms to enhance their environment.
Ro Kalouniwai acknowledged that such incidents can tarnish the reputation of the RFMF and raise questions about its capacity to undertake deployments.