Fiji is removing its top cop and scrapping a policing deal with China

January 30, 2023: -On Friday, Fiji’s president suspended the commissioner of police following a general election that saw the first change in leadership in the Pacific Island nation in 16 years following the military warning against “sweeping changes.”

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere stated that Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho has been cancelling on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission, “which pends investigation and stating to and appointment of, a tribunal.”

The statement said that the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, was suspended by the commission.

Qiliho states that the local media because he said he would face a tribunal regarding his conduct.

He was seen as close to ex-prime minister Frank Bainimarama leading Fiji for 16 years before a coalition of groups narrowly won December’s election and put Sitiveni Rabuka as leader of the strategically important Pacific nation.

The day before a coalition deal was struck, Qiliho and Bainimarama warned the military to maintain law and order because they stated that the hung election outcome had sparked ethnic problems, a claim disputed by the coalition parties.

The Pacific Island nation, with a history of military coups, has been the region’s answer to competition amid China and the U.S. and struck an agreement with Australia in October for huge security cooperation.