Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner who is currently incarcerated for abuse of office, is facing a new investigation regarding comments he made after the 2022 General Election. The inquiry is centered on statements he provided in December 2022 about purported instability and violence that followed the elections.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed that the allegations relate to Qiliho’s remarks about unverified reports of stoning incidents and vandalism. “We confirm that there is an investigation regarding the statement issued alleging the stoning incident and vandalism,” ACP Waqa stated.
On December 21, 2022, a week after the elections, Qiliho claimed that police had received unconfirmed reports of stoning incidents, although those who contacted the police did not file official reports. He subsequently directed the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to conduct a comprehensive investigation into reports of vandalism in that area.
The next day, December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would assist the police in maintaining law and order, citing an increase in threats against minority groups following the election results. In his statement, he expressed concern over rising racial tensions, revealing that an agreement had been reached for RFMF personnel to support police operations.
The situation intensified when former Police Chief of Operations Abdul Khan resigned on December 23, citing personal reasons. However, sources suggest that Khan’s departure was related to differences over the decision to involve the RFMF in police matters.
RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai recently commented on the fragile situation following the 2022 elections during a media interview, recognizing the potential for unrest that could have destabilized the RFMF. He emphasized the efforts made to involve the military while reaffirming their commitment to avert further disturbances.