Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently incarcerated for abuse of office, is now being investigated for comments he made after the 2022 General Election. The inquiry is centered on statements he made in December 2022, which suggested alleged instability and violence following the elections.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa confirmed to Fiji Sun that the investigation pertains to Qiliho’s assertions regarding unverified reports of stoning incidents and vandalism. “We confirm that there is an investigation concerning the statement issued alleging the stoning incident and vandalism,” ACP Waqa stated.
On December 21, 2022, just a week after the General Election, Qiliho reported that the police had received unconfirmed reports of stoning incidents, although those who called did not file official reports. He subsequently instructed the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to conduct a thorough investigation regarding the reports of vandalism in the region.
The next day, December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would assist the police in maintaining law and order due to increasing threats against minority groups in light of the election results. In his statement, Qiliho expressed concern over rising racial tensions, indicating an agreement had been made for RFMF personnel to support police efforts.
The situation intensified 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.
RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai recently addressed the tense atmosphere following the 2022 elections during a media interview, acknowledging the potential for destabilization within the RFMF. He emphasized the military’s commitment to preventing further unrest.