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Republic of Fiji Military Forces warns govt against 'sweeping changes' after tight election
1-16-2023
Fiji's government has summoned the country's top military commander after he issued an extraordinary statement raising concerns about the "ambition and speed" of changes being made by the new government.
Earlier today, Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai warned that the government was taking "shortcuts that circumvent the relevant processes and procedures" which could lead to "long-term national security consequences", although he did not provide any specific details.
Commander Kalouniwai's statement also highlighted the military's "guardian role" in the constitution, which he claimed was to ensure "excesses [of power] of the past are not repeated".
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has raised concerns over some of the changes Government has undertaken in “just 16 days in office”.
RFMF commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said in a statement that section 131 of the Constitution stipulated “the RFMF plays a guardian role where the excesses of the past are nor repeated and any new assaults on Fiji’s emerging democracy are not tolerated.”
“The RFMF has quietly observed with growing concern over the last few days, the ambition and speed of the government in implementing these sweeping changes are creating shortcuts that circumvent the relevant processes and procedures that protect the integrity of the law and the Constitution,” Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said.
“Whilst the RFMF recognizes the justifications by the current government to establish these changes, the RFMF believes that trying and failing to democratise in adverse circumstances has the potential to bring about fateful, long-term national security consequences.
“The RFMF is concerned, whether these rapid changes are being pursued without a full understanding of the process and procedures or intentionally done to challenge the integrity of the law and the Constitution of this land.”
Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said the RFMF firmly believes the separation of powers between the executive and the judicial arms of the state must be respected.
“It must be important to understand and appreciate that a strong rule of law is built on respect for and adherence to a clear separation of powers between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.
“Whatever the reasons may be, the RFMF feels that such actions and decisions is putting at risk the very nature of the Law and the separation of powers that clearly demarcate the independence of the three arms of government.”
Maj-Gen Kalouniwai said section 131 of the Constitution also ensured the values and principles of democracy including the checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution were not undermined.
Not long after issuing the statement, the commander was summoned to meet with Fiji's Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua.
Pio Tikoduadua said he'd raised "concerns" with the commander about his statement, but the two men had now reached an understanding.
Mr Tikoduadua also said the commander had given him assurances that he supported the government and would not make any further public statements criticising its actions.
"We have agreed on a new beginning, and I would like to reassure people in Fiji and the region that our relationship is good" he told journalists.
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