The aftermath of the 2022 General Election presented a precarious moment for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), according to RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai. In an interview with The Fiji Times’ online platform, The Lens@177, he shared insights on how senior command managed to maintain stability during this tumultuous time.
Kalouniwai revealed that former police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho had reached out to him, expressing concerns about instability following the election results and requesting the deployment of troops. “We had a discussion,” he noted, adding that he decided to keep the troops stationed at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB).
He described 2022 as a pivotal year, one that allowed the military to take steps toward reconciliation and address past grievances. Kalouniwai emphasized that various factors must be evaluated before the RFMF intervenes in the country’s governance.
“There has to be a significant disruption in the mechanism to justify RFMF’s involvement,” he stated. Once the Commissioner calls for the RFMF’s assistance, the military evaluates the situation to determine if intervention is warranted.
Kalouniwai stressed the distinct role the RFMF plays compared to the police, stating that the military must assess the current environment, especially regarding law and order. He pointed out the importance of evaluating the severity of the situation, such as if there is violence, property damage, or public unrest, to decide if RFMF intervention is necessary.