Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently imprisoned for abuse of office, is now facing an investigation regarding comments he made after the 2022 General Election.
The inquiry is centered on claims made by Qiliho in December 2022, which suggested there were instances of instability and violence following the election. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed to Fiji Sun that the allegations are focused on Qiliho’s remarks concerning 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 after the General Election, Qiliho mentioned that the police had received unconfirmed reports of stoning incidents, although those who called did not file official complaints.
He subsequently instructed the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to carry out a detailed investigation into reports of vandalism in the area.
The following day, December 22, he announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would assist the police in maintaining law and order, as there were increasing reports of threats against minority groups following the election results.
In his statement, Qiliho raised concerns about rising racial tensions and noted that an agreement had been established for RFMF personnel to support police efforts.
However, the situation took a turn when former police chief of operations Abdul Khan resigned on December 23, citing personal reasons. Sources suggest that Khan’s resignation was related to disagreements over the decision to involve the RFMF in police operations.
Recently, RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai discussed the tense situation that emerged after the 2022 elections during a media interview, acknowledging the risk of destabilization within the RFMF. He emphasized attempts to involve the RFMF while reaffirming their commitment to preventing further unrest.