Fiji’s ex‑PM and police chief granted bail after fresh mutiny charges over 2023 military plot

Fiji’s former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and ex‑Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho appeared in court on Thursday after being charged with inciting mutiny over alleged attempts to influence senior military officers in 2023, local media report.

According to The Fiji Times, Bainimarama allegedly sent Viber messages to Brigadier-General Manoa Gadai between 1 January and 31 July 2023, urging him to take over command and “overthrow the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai.”

The report adds that in a separate count, both Bainimarama and Qiliho are accused of speaking jointly to senior officers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces including Lt-Colonel Atunaisa Vakatale, Colonel Aseri Rokoura, and Colonel Viliame Draunibaka between 1 July and 31 July 2023.

The officers were allegedly encouraged to “unlawfully arrest and take over the authority of the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Jone Kalouniwai".

The charges were formally laid ahead of Thursday’s hearing at the Suva Magistrates Court, where both men appeared as scheduled.

After the hearing, the court granted bail to Bainimarama and Qiliho, imposing conditions including a stop‑departure order - meaning neither man is permitted to leave Fiji while the case is ongoing.

Former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, right, and ex‑Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho are facing charges of inciting mutiny. Photo/Supplied

There was no immediate comment from the defence, and neither former official has publicly responded to the new allegations.

These developments build on earlier reports and charges related to attempts to influence the chain of command within Fiji’s military, a historically sensitive institution in the country’s political landscape.

Bainimarama led Fiji as Prime Minister for more than a decade and previously served as commander of the military forces.

The 2023 mutiny allegations centre on attempts to influence senior military officers’ chain of command. Photo/RFMF

Qiliho served as Fiji’s Police Commissioner. Their roles in national security make the allegations particularly significant.

Legal analysts emphasise that these remain allegations at this stage, with no conviction yet.

“The reports highlight concerns about the integrity of Fiji’s military leadership and the potential risks when former senior officials are accused of attempting to subvert command,” one expert told PMN News.

Observers say the bail outcome and travel restrictions reflect the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating the case, while ensuring the accused remain available for the legal process.

If proven in court, the charges could carry serious legal and political consequences for both men and for confidence in Fiji’s institutions.

Regional media report the case continues to attract wide attention across the Pacific.

PMN News will continue to follow this story as more details emerge from the courts.