‘We will be held accountable for our actions’: RFMF commander tells soldiers

Republic of Fiji Military Forces commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai says the military must take responsibility for recent incidents that have placed the force under public scrutiny, including the incident where Jone Vakarisi is alleged to have died in military custody.

Addressing soldiers and their families during the RFMF Family Church Service at Centenary Church in Suva this morning, Major-General Kalouniwai said senior military leaders had met last week to discuss recent events, including joint operations with Police and the 'incident' at the military camp.

“In the past few months we had started with the joint operations with the Police, amongst this was the incident that happened at the military camp," Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said.

"It was not intentional and no one knew it would end up the way it did,” he said.

“But we are at fault, and we must be accountable for that.”

The remarks come amid ongoing investigations into the death of Mr Vakarisi, which sparked public concern and renewed scrutiny over military conduct and accountability.

He acknowledged the difficult period facing the force.

“We are going through some challenging times in our work. It is not an easy time,” he said.

Major-General Kalouniwai reflected on the military’s period of fasting and prayer.

“It is very important for us to understand the reason why we have been fasting and praying, because we need guidance in where we are heading,” he said.

“It is not an easy challenge. It is not an easy choice but we must be accountable for our actions.”

He reaffirmed that the RFMF would continue to operate within the law despite growing tensions and public attention.

“With everything happening around us, it will not be easy but we must follow the process, that process is guided by the law. That is where the RFMF will stand.”

Major-General Kalouniwai also urged officers to provide stronger leadership and guidance to personnel.

“Leadership is important,” he said.

“To all officers, leadership is very important at this stage. Officers and leaders, you are supposed to be leading, you are supposed to be telling your personnel what is supposed to be done and what is not supposed to be done.”

He warned soldiers against acting in anger or reacting emotionally, particularly to issues circulating on social media.

“Guard your hearts, never be quick to anger, because when you do, you will forget what is right. You will forget about what the law that you are supposed to abide by.”

“Watch out for social media, be patient, pray for a heart that is not quick to react. We are in a very peculiar and complex situation.”

The commander reminded personnel that all actions carried consequences and accountability.

“Whatever we do, remember we will be held accountable for it.

“Pray and stay watch. Wait on the Lord.”