Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai has placed the responsibility for ending Fiji’s cycle of constitutional immunity squarely in the hands of the Parliamentary Committee considering the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026.
In a submission delivered on October 31, Major General Kalouniwai warned that decisions made by the Committee could have irreversible consequences for future generations.
“The window to choose otherwise is open today. It rests, Mr Chairman, in your hands,” he said.
The Commander warned that section 207 of the proposed Bill could permanently entrench immunity, preventing the courts from examining past actions covered by the provision.
“Some of the choices before this Committee cannot be undone. Once this Bill passes its third reading, section 207 would make its immunity permanent and place it beyond the reach of the courts, for generations not yet born.”
He said failure to address the issue would risk continuing the cycle of impunity that had marked Fiji’s political history.
“If we fail to choose rightly now, our grandchildren will inherit the same mark of impunity we inherited, and the cycle will turn again.”
Major General Kalouniwai said Fiji was at a defining moment in its constitutional journey, with an opportunity for citizens to determine their supreme law through democratic means.
“For the first time, the people of Fiji may be asked to approve their own supreme law. We can show our children that Fiji can change its highest law through the ballot box and not the barrel of a gun.”
The Commander reiterated that the RFMF did not seek the constitutional immunity proposed under section 206 and had formally declared its willingness to surrender those protections.
He said the military was prepared to cooperate with lawful accountability processes and fully accept civilian authority.
The RFMF has recommended removing Chapter 14 and replacing it with provisions establishing a Truth, Accountability and Reconciliation Commission, under which protection would depend on full disclosure and would not extend to the gravest crimes.
Major General Kalouniwai also pledged that the military would remain politically neutral during the proposed referendum and the next general election.
“No soldier will campaign in uniform, and we will support the electoral authorities only when asked and as the law permits. We will respect the outcome, whatever it may be.”
He acknowledged the military’s involvement in Fiji’s troubled political past and said the institution had sought forgiveness from those affected.
“The RFMF exists to serve the people of Fiji, never to rule them.”
In his closing appeal, Major General Kalouniwai urged lawmakers to put the interests of ordinary Fijians ahead of institutional protections.
“Let this be the generation that breaks the cycle. Let this be the Committee that keeps faith with the widow, the farmer, the child and the forgotten.”
He said the ultimate goal must be a nation where the law applied equally to everyone, including those holding political and military power.
