19/12/2025
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๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ค๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ข ๐๐
The Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon Pio Tikoduadua, and the Commander Joint Task Force, Brigadier General Manoa Gadai, officially welcomed the UNAMI Draft Taskforce Papiloni last night at Blackrock Camp, Friday, 19 December 2025. This contingent marks a historic milestone as the last RFMF Contingent to conclude UN peacekeeping duties under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), returning home for good after more than two decades of peacekeeping service.
The 156 RFMF TF Papiloni officers and soldiers arrived safely after a year of dedicated service under the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
Led by their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Timoci Naivalu, the contingent was formally received at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Joint Task Force Headquarters, Blackrock Camp, by the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs. In his welcome address, Hon. Tikoduadua commended the Contingent for their professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty while contributing to stability and governance in Iraq. He further expressed his appreciation to the Commander RFMF and the Commander JTFC, along with their respective staff officers, for their steadfast leadership, dedication, and unwavering support in sustaining the RFMF Taskforce Papiloni throughout its deployment. He acknowledged that such leadership has been vital in ensuring the welfare, operational readiness, and morale of troops serving in challenging environments such as Iraq.
This homecoming carries deep significance for the RFMF, as it brings closure to Fijiโs longstanding involvement with UNAMI since the post-war deployment to Iraq in 2003. The Contingent will be officially welcomed by His Excellency the President in Suva on Monday, 22nd of December, marking the final chapter of the RFMF's Taskforce Papiloniโs service with UNAMI. Their legacy stands as a testament to Fijiโs unwavering contribution to global peace and security and the professionalism that has defined RFMF deployments abroad.
The homecoming was made even more special as families gathered at Blackrock Camp in Nadi to embrace their loved ones. Their sacrifice, resilience, and steadfast support throughout the deployment reflect the strong bond between our servicemen, servicewomen, and the communities they serve. The nation stands proud of their achievement and grateful for the strength shown by both the contingent and their families.
Welcome home, RFMF UNAMI Taskforce Papiloni 26, and thank you for your outstanding service, courage, and dedication to duty. Your chapter with UNAMI may close, but your legacy of UN peacekeeping excellence will forever endure. May our Heavenly Father continue to shower his grace and blessings to the RFMF, their families and our beloved Nation as a whole.