Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces says a military personnel was ordered to take leave following allegations he was passing information to drug syndicates in Fiji about RFMF plans and activities.
He said the action was taken after the source a social media post exposing those allegedly involved in the drug trade ” informed me of an RFMF mobile number” was involved.
“The phone has been confiscated and the individual concerned brought in, questioned, interviewed and ordered to take leave to allow for the immediate conduct of an independent investigation,” he said in a statement shared on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s Facebook page.
It said the commander issued a firm warning to members of the RFMF while addressing internal discipline and accountability.
“Let me warn you today: we cannot take matters into our own hands, and involvement in such illegal activities will not be condoned within the RFMF.”
He also reaffirmed the RFMF’s decision during the December 2022 elections to honour the democratic process and respect the will of the people, noting that for the first time in more than three decades, the Force has remained free from political involvement in the media and public discourse.
He said the RFMF continues to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles.
Major-General Kalouniwai also reflected on the RFMF’s reconciliation efforts, undertaken in good faith to confront the institution’s past and rebuild trust. He acknowledged that while sincere, these efforts have at times been overshadowed by divisive narratives that dismiss reconciliation as meaningless or wasteful.
