Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai is the best person to carry on the work as military Commander. Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua shared this yesterday saying he had encouraged Maj-Gen Kalouniwai to reapply for the position as his term approaches its conclusion.
“I’m confident about the commander’s competency,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“And at this point in time, he is, in my view, the person that is best suited to be commander.”
Prime Minister and chairman of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), Sitiveni Rabuka, said the commission had received submissions regarding the RFMF Commander’s position and an announcement would be made public at a later date.
“There will be made an official announcement from the COC, the commander’s position, the general secretary to Parliament, and the (Fiji Corrections Services) Commissioner ,” Mr Rabuka said.
Maj-Gen Kalouniwai was appointed RFMF Commander on September 16, 2021 following an open merit-based recruitment process overseen by the COC.
His appointment was formally made by the President on the advice of the commission, following consultation with the minister responsible for the military.
The appointment formed part of a broader package of senior state appointments endorsed after COC deliberations.
At the time, it was indicated that the commander and other senior office holders would serve a five-year term.
Under the 2013 Constitution of Fiji, the President appoints the RFMF Commander on the advice of the COC after consultation with the Minister responsible for the military, under Section 131(4).
The Constitution does not prescribe a fixed term for the role, with the five-year period deriving from the terms set out in the 2021 appointment decision.
