RFMF Commander’s renewed commitment augers well for Fiji

Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai’s renewed pledge to protect democracy, peace and stability has come as a big relief.

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander has once again set the record straight and cleared the air in the wake of speculations about strained relations between the military and the new Government. He first made the commitment before the December 14 election. Now he has reiterated it to allay fears about a perceived heightened alert in the military and a potential intervention,

After we have heard from Ro Jone and his line Minister Pio Tikoduadua there is nothing to worry about about the state of law and order in the country.

Ro Jone will uphold the law.

The onus is on the new Government to do the same and fulfill its side of the gentleman’s agreement. Ro Jone is a highly qualified and well trained military officer who will not compromise his standards to uphold the rule of law.

He has seen and experienced enough to promise himself that he would not allow the military to be used as a political pawn.

2000 Coup

In 2000, he was held hostage in the mutiny by members of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare unit (CRW) which killed innocent soldiers loyal to the RFMF.

He was a young officer in the Intelligence Unit at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, Suva.

While his principled stand may be at odds with some of his close military colleagues, he respects officers, his seniors who helped him grow into into the role.

They include Opposition leader Voreqe Bainimarama.

Some have suggested that he owes a lot to Mr Bainimarama for showing confidence in him.

By the same token he has earned his stripes through his hard work, sacrifice and loyalty to the RFMF ethos which has won international recognition.

Under his watch, he will not allow the military to be used as a political football.

Instead, he will ensure voters that the RFMF concentrate on its core role mandated by the Constitution to be overall in charge of the nation’s security against internal and external threats.

While the Police are in charge of the maintenance law and order they will seek military assistance if they feel they may not be able to handle a developing situation that’s a serious threat to public safety and security. With the withdrawal of military personnel from civilian duties the security detail returns to the Police where it once belonged.

As part of the exercise the arms they carried were returned to the armoury at QEB in Nabua, Suva and all were accounted for and matched the inventory.

Mr Tikoduadua called it the demilitarization of the civil service. When it was done with the concurrence of Ro Jone there is clarity and the purpose is clear.

Now the new coalition Government can focus on implementing what it had promised the people.