The military can have no tolerance for sexual offenses. In a recent statement, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, the 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.
“We dispatched a team to conduct a Board of Inquiry, and they returned with their findings,” Ro Kalouniwai noted. The issue was managed by the commander of the joint task force, who oversaw the deployments, and all personnel implicated in the incident have been discharged from the RFMF.
“These actions carry serious consequences since they impact our operations in the Middle East, and similar issues have arisen in Fiji,” he added. When asked about the expectations for mutual treatment among RFMF members, he emphasized the importance of treating comrades “the way they want to be treated.”
Ro Kalouniwai underscored the significance of inclusivity and gender equality, stating that it is vital for the RFMF. “We have a responsibility in Fiji, as we are currently recruiting many female soldiers while also enhancing our support structures to provide necessary support.”
He acknowledged that such incidents harm the reputation of the RFMF and raise questions about its capacity to deploy effectively.