Sitiveni Qiliho, the former police commissioner currently imprisoned for abuse of office, is now the subject of an investigation regarding comments he made after the 2022 General Election. The inquiry centers on statements he made in December 2022 that suggested potential instability and violence following the election results.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime, Mesake Waqa, confirmed to the Fiji Sun that the investigation is probing allegations connected to Qiliho’s comments, particularly those related to 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 election, Qiliho disclosed that the police had received unconfirmed reports of stoning incidents, although the individuals involved had not filed official reports. He subsequently assigned the Divisional Crime Officer for the North to carry out a comprehensive investigation into reports of vandalism in that area.
The very next day, December 22, Qiliho announced that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) would support the police in maintaining order due to rising threats against minority groups following the election outcomes. In his remarks, Qiliho expressed alarm over escalating racial tensions and noted an agreement had been reached for RFMF personnel to assist police operations.
However, tensions increased when former Police Chief of Operations Abdul Khan resigned from his position on December 23, mentioning personal reasons for his departure. Reports suggest that Khan’s resignation was connected to disagreements concerning the decision to involve the RFMF in police activities.
Recently, RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai addressed the sensitive circumstances following the 2022 elections in a media interview, recognizing the potential for destabilization within the RFMF. He emphasized the attempts made to involve the RFMF while affirming their commitment to preventing further unrest.