RFMF rules out guns in support of police drug operations

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) will not use firearms in its support role in the national fight against drugs, Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai has confirmed.

Major General Kalouniwai said the assurance followed a recent meeting between senior military officials and police leadership, where the scope of cooperation was clearly defined.

He said discussions focused on how the military could assist police-led drug operations without crossing into enforcement or armed intervention.

“There were initial discussions about whether the military police would take over operations, but that is not the case,” Major General Kalouniwai said.

“The Police remain in full control. We are only there to support them mainly in planning and logistics.”

He stressed that the RFMF’s role does not include carrying weapons or conducting raids, dismissing public concerns about soldiers being deployed with guns.

“No, we cannot do that,” he said.

“That would be a completely different situation with a different set of powers and legal mechanisms. We are nowhere near that.”

Major General Kalouniwai said the meeting also reaffirmed confidence in the Fiji Police Force’s ability to deal with the growing drug threat, pointing to major seizures made in recent weeks.

“We are very confident in the Police. They know what they are doing, and we need to give them time,” he said.

Under the agreed arrangement, the RFMF is providing logistical support, including transport, equipment and planning assistance, particularly for operations in remote and maritime areas.

“We help move equipment, provide vehicles, ships for island operations, field kits, backpacks and sleeping kits, whatever support they need,” he said.

However, he reiterated that firearms and rifles were not part of the support being provided.

“That is out of the question at the moment,” he said, adding that the situation would continue to be assessed.

Major General Kalouniwai reassured the public that there was no military enforcement role and no takeover of police duties.

“This is not military enforcement. The police are leading, and we are simply there to assist and support them,” he said.