The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, conducted an official visit to the Fiji Guard Unit (FGU) Battalion 26 serving under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), reaffirming Fijiβs steadfast commitment to peacekeeping and acknowledging the exceptional service of its troops.
Accompanying the Commander were his Personal Staff Officer, Captain Suliano, and the RFMF Force Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Joeli Rabuli. The delegation was received at Baghdad International Airport by Lieutenant Colonel Timoci Naivalu, Commanding Officer of BATT 26, and later welcomed at the United Nations Integrated Compound in the Green Zone, where a Quarter Guard of Honour was conducted to mark the occasion.
Major General Kalouniwai was given an operational briefing and updated on the missionβs progress, achievements, and the ongoing drawdown phase of UNAMI. He commended the troops for their professionalism, discipline, and resilience, noting that their service reflects the highest standards and values of the RFMF.
The visit also featured a traditional vakasobu and sevusevu ceremony, followed by a church service led by Battalion Chaplain Reverend Apisalome Vuadreu. The Commander met with troops, shared updates from Fiji, and acknowledged the long deployments of personnel serving up to 13 months, commending their sacrifice and dedication to global peace.
Major General Kalouniwaiβs visit marked a moment of leadership, recognition, and reflection as Fijian peacekeepers continue their vital mission in the final phase of UNAMI.
