RFMF Commander yet to decide on second term

Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai says he has not decided whether he will seek another term when his contract expires in September.

Major-General Kalouniwai was appointed commander in 2021. His five-year term ends in September.

"All I can confirm is that my contract ends in September. I haven't made up my mind at the moment," he said.

He said he would decide after holding discussions with Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua.

"Until I have those discussions with the Minister, I will be able to confirm whether I will reapply for the appointment or whether I will just go back home."

Mr Tikoduadua has publicly declared his support for Major-General Kalouniwai to seek another term.

"I am confident in the commander's competence. At this point in time, he is, in my view, the person best suited to be the commander," Mr Tikoduadua said.

The President appoints the RFMF Commander on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC).

The COC, chaired by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, met yesterday.

Asked whether the commission had discussed the appointment, Mr Rabuka said: "Well, that will be made in the official announcement from the COC."