Fiji's military commander resigns, to become diplomat

Fiji's military commander has resigned and will pursue a career in the foreign service, the Fijian government announced Saturday.

Brig. Gen. Mosese Tikoitoga had been commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) since March 5, 2014, when Voreqe Bainimarama resigned from the post to run for the Pacific island country's September general election where he won a landslide victory.

"On the recommendation of the Chairman of the Constitutional Officers Commission, the Prime Minister (Bainimarama), His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, has appointed Captain Viliame Naupoto as acting commander with immediate effect, " the Department of Information said in a statement.

Naupoto has been promoted to the rank of commodore and will remain as acting commander of the RFMF until a substantive appointment to the position is made, the statement added.

Bainimarama also held the rank of commodore when he was the RFMF commander. He was promoted to rear admiral after his retirement from the navy.