Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently serving time for abuse of office, is under investigation for comments he made following the 2022 General Election. The inquiry focuses on statements he made in December 2022 regarding alleged instability and violence in the aftermath of the election.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed that the allegations pertain to Qiliho’s claims 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, just a week after the General Election, Qiliho mentioned that the police had received unconfirmed reports of stoning incidents, although the callers had not filed official complaints. He subsequently directed that the Divisional Crime Officer for the North oversee a detailed inquiry into reports of vandalism in the region.
The following day, December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would assist the police in maintaining peace due to rising threats against minority groups following the election results. He expressed concern over increasing racial tensions and noted an agreement for RFMF personnel to support police operations.
Tensions escalated when former Police Chief of Operations Abdul Khan resigned on December 23, citing personal reasons. Sources suggest that his resignation was related to disagreements over involving the RFMF in police work.
RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai recently remarked on the tense situation after the 2022 polls in a media interview, acknowledging the potential for instability. He emphasized the RFMF’s commitment to preventing any further unrest.