Fiji: RFMF Commander reappointed to continue reform, not maintain status quo

Around 7 July, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai was reappointed for a further five-year term as Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. In addition to the formal appointing body – the Constitutional Offices Commission – both Prime Minister Rabuka and Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, publicly stated their support for the extension. During his first term, Maj-Gen Kalouniwai has been responsible for leading the force through the government's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and managing the RFMF's involvement in domestic counter-drug operations, which in April 2026 transformed from largely logistical support to the Fiji Police Force into an active front-line and leadership role. In both regards, Maj-Gen Kalouniwai urged caution, most recently providing a submission to the constitutional reform commission for the removal of 2013 RFMF legal protections that he described as enabling a "culture of impunity." Separately, on 6 July, the Republic of Fiji Navy launched its Strategic Plan 2035, which outlines development of the force around "Maritime Security and Sovereignty, Our People, Enablers and Partnerships."

Assessment: Maj-Gen Kalouniwai was highly likely selected for a further five-year term to continue culture change and development of the RFMF, not to simply maintain the status quo or because he is seen as loyal to current political leaders. The Commander will have to continue to manage the RFMF's domestic counter-drug role and modernise the force. The latter is also related to the counter-drug role, with development of the Navy and maritime security a key weakness in the current counter-drug fight. Both responsibilities expose the force to reputational risk if they cannot demonstrate a reduction in transnational crime over the next 12 months.

Sources: Apenisa Waqairadovu, “RFMF calls for end to impunity,” FBC, 2 July 2026; Fiji Navy, “FIJI NAVY LAUNCHES “THE HEADMARK” — STRATEGIC PLAN 2035,” Facebook, 6 July 2026; Republic of Fiji Military Forces, “𝗥𝗙𝗠𝗙 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝟱𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁,” Facebook, 7 July 2026; “Fiji Military Commander Kalouniwai given option to extend term, PM Rabuka reveals,” PINA, 1 July 2026.