Commander Kalouniwai Dismisses Division Rumours, Embraces Change

In a decisive move towards fostering unity and dispelling rumours, the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) asserted his commitment to neutrality and support for any government that upholds the rule of law.

Addressing speculations about senior officers opposing Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's visit to the Queen Elizabeth Barracks today; RFMF Commander, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, said they stood resolute against aligning with any political party.

"We've gone past that," Major-General Kalouniwai said during a press conference in Suva yesterday.

"They (RFMF senior officers) are following the process of the law now. They want to change."

"They want to move forward. It's time."

To move beyond divisive assumptions, the Commander highlighted the unanimous agreement among RFMF officers to embrace change and collectively work towards progress.

"All the officers are in agreement with this, and we are all united in this particular front to move things forward," Major-General Kalouniwai said.

"The only way we can do all this is by following the rule of law."

Clarifying the absence of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka from last month's memorial church service honouring fallen soldiers during the attempted mutiny in 2000, Major-General Kalouniwai explained the RFMF's customary approach.

"It's something we normally have within the RFMF," he said.

"We don't send them invitations."

"We only send invitations to guests that are not members of the RFMF, so it's always open."

Former Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, attended the service - a ritual Mr Bainimarama consistently practised annually when he was head of Government.

The Commander further disclosed he had informed the Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, about the memorial event, emphasising the openness of the occasion.

"So, they were aware of it but it's up to them whether they want to come or not," the Commander said.

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