The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces has confirmed that a military personnel has been placed on leave amid allegations of involvement with drug syndicates that were purportedly receiving sensitive information regarding military plans and operations. This decision follows the information disclosed through a social media post, which indicated that an RFMF mobile number was implicated in the drug trade.
In a statement released on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s social media account, the Commander affirmed that the mobile device in question has been confiscated, and the individual involved has been questioned and will remain on leave while an independent investigation is conducted.
Reinforcing the importance of internal discipline and accountability, the Commander issued a stern warning to all RFMF members: involvement in illegal activities will not be tolerated. He stressed that the military cannot act outside the law and must avoid engaging in illicit actions.
Moreover, he took the opportunity to highlight the RFMF’s commitment to upholding democratic values, recalling their engagement during the December 2022 elections, where they chose to respect the will of the people for the first time in over thirty years, steering clear of political interference in public affairs.
Major-General Kalouniwai also reflected on the ongoing reconciliation efforts within the RFMF, emphasizing their commitment to addressing past grievances and rebuilding trust within the community. He acknowledged that while these efforts are genuine, they can sometimes be misconstrued or overshadowed by negative narratives that downplay the significance of reconciliation.
This proactive approach by the RFMF showcases their dedication to integrity and accountability, reinforcing the notion that the military establishment aims to operate transparently and in alignment with democratic ideals.