Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently imprisoned for abuse of office, is now facing an investigation related to comments he made following the 2022 General Election. The focus of the inquiry revolves around statements he made in December 2022 regarding purported instability and violence after the elections.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed to Fiji Sun that authorities are looking into Qiliho’s claims, particularly concerning unverified reports of stoning incidents and acts of vandalism.
“We can confirm that there is an investigation regarding the statement issued about the stoning incident and vandalism,” ACP Waqa reported.
On December 21, 2022, a week after the election, Qiliho indicated that the police had received unconfirmed reports of stoning, although the individuals making the reports opted not to file official complaints. He subsequently instructed the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the reports of vandalism in that area.
The following day, December 22, Qiliho stated that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would help the police maintain law and order due to mounting reports of threats against minority groups in the wake of the election results. He voiced concern about rising racial tensions and indicated an agreement for RFMF personnel to assist in police operations.
However, the situation intensified when former Police Chief of Operations Abdul Khan resigned on December 23, citing personal reasons. Sources suggest that his resignation may have been connected to disagreements over the decision to involve the RFMF in police matters.
RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai recently addressed the tense situation following the 2022 elections in a media interview, acknowledging the potential for instability within the RFMF. He emphasized their efforts to collaborate with the police while ensuring they remain committed to preventing further unrest.