The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is making a strong commitment to enhance transparency and accountability to both taxpayers and the government. Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai emphasized last week that the RFMF has made significant strides in these areas.
He stated, “Ultimately, we are accountable to the taxpayers, the government, and the public as a whole.” Kalouniwai noted that the RFMF has traditionally operated in a more closed environment, but a shift is underway to become more visible and engaged with the public.
When questioned about past leadership lacking transparency, he refrained from labeling previous commanders as failures. Instead, he suggested that various factors may have influenced past practices, including differing conditions and individual motivations.
Kalouniwai explained that leadership within the RFMF can be approached in two distinct ways: as a leader or a commander. “Leaders often operate in the grey areas, looking to find compromises, while commanders adhere strictly to the rules,” he said. He expressed a desire to embody both roles, hoping to balance leadership and command effectively.
Since his appointment in September 2021, Kalouniwai’s initial focus has been assembling a team by December to develop a five-year strategic plan for the RFMF. This plan aims to establish a clear direction for the organization.
He highlighted the importance of fostering a climate of trust within the RFMF, believing that accountability is central to establishing such trust. “For us, the concept of mission command allows for the decentralization of responsibilities,” he explained. Kalouniwai noted that he operates at a strategic level while delegating operational tasks to commanders of various branches, ensuring clarity in roles without micromanaging his personnel.