The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has expressed its commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability to the taxpayers and the government. Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai remarked last week that significant progress has been made in this regard.
“We ultimately answer to the taxpayers, the government, and the wider public,” he stated. He acknowledged that the organization has traditionally operated in a closed environment but is now making strides to be more accessible and informative to the public.
When questioned about whether previous commanders had not succeeded in maintaining transparency, Ro Kalouniwai refrained from labeling them as failures, suggesting that varying circumstances may have influenced their ability to be transparent.
He explained that leadership within the RFMF involves balancing two roles: as a leader, which requires navigating complexities, and as a commander, where adherence to rules is paramount. “Leaders often operate in ambiguity, while commanders must deal in absolutes,” he noted, highlighting the necessity of understanding the duality of these roles.
Since his appointment in September 2021, Ro Kalouniwai’s initial focus was to assemble a team by December to develop a five-year strategic plan, setting a clear direction for the RFMF. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a climate of trust within the organization, asserting that trust is built upon accountability to colleagues.
He elaborated on the concept of mission command, which involves decentralizing responsibilities from the command level, allowing various commanders to operate effectively without micromanagement. Ro Kalouniwai confirmed that responsibilities are well-distributed within the organization, with a clear distinction between strategic and operational levels.