Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently serving a sentence for abuse of office, is now the subject of an investigation relating to comments he made after the 2022 General Election. The inquiry is centered on assertions he made in December 2022 about purported instability and violence following the elections.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, confirmed to Fiji Sun that the allegations pertain to Qiliho’s remarks regarding unverified reports of stoning incidents and vandalism. “We confirm that there is an investigation regarding the statements issued alleging the stoning incident and vandalism,” ACP Waqa stated.
On December 21, 2022, a week post-election, Qiliho indicated that the police had received unverified reports of stoning incidents, although the individuals who called did not file official complaints. He then directed the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the vandalism claims in the area.
The day after, on December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would aid the police in maintaining law and order due to increasing threats against minority groups following the election outcomes. In his statement, he raised concerns about the escalating racial tensions and noted that an agreement had been established for RFMF personnel to support police operations.
However, tension mounted 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 engage the RFMF in police duties.
Recently, RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai commented on the fragile situation following the 2022 elections in a media interview, acknowledging the tension that could have jeopardized the RFMF. He emphasized the importance of the RFMF’s involvement while reaffirming their dedication to preventing further unrest.