Jioji Konrote facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Konrote
CF MC
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Konrote in 2017
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| President of Fiji | |
| In office 12 November 2015 – 12 November 2021 |
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| Prime Minister | Frank Bainimarama |
| Preceded by | Ratu Epeli Nailatikau |
| Succeeded by | Ratu Wiliame Katonivere |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jioji Konousi Konrote
26 December 1947 Rotuma, Fiji |
| Political party | FijiFirst |
| Spouse | Sarote Faga Konrote |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Natabua High School |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Republic of Fiji |
| Branch/service | Republic of Fiji Military Forces |
| Rank | Major-General |
Major-General Jioji Konousi "George" Konrote was a very important leader in Fiji. He was the President of Fiji from 2015 to 2021. He was also a retired Major-General from the Fiji Military.
Mr. Konrote was special because he was the first president who was not from the main Fijian ethnic group, iTaukei. He was from the island of Rotuma. He was also the first president not to be a chief. Before him, presidents were chosen by a group of chiefs.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Jioji Konrote was born on December 26, 1947. He grew up on the island of Rotuma. He went to Natabua High School in Lautoka, Fiji.
He joined the Fiji Military in 1966. He trained with soldiers from New Zealand and Australia. He also studied at important military colleges. These included the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies in Canberra, Australia. He also studied at Harvard Kennedy School in the United States.
Peacekeeping Missions
Mr. Konrote became a high-ranking officer in the Fijian military. He led Fijian soldiers who were working for peace in Lebanon. This was part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission called UNIFIL. He later became a top commander for the UN mission in Lebanon.
For his brave work, he received several awards. These included the UNIFIL Peace Medal in 1978. He also received the Military Cross from the United Kingdom in 1982. Other awards came from Italy and Lebanon. He was also honored with the Order of Fiji in 1997.
Diplomatic and Political Career
After his military career, Mr. Konrote became a diplomat. From 2001 to 2006, he was Fiji's High Commissioner to Australia. This job is like being an ambassador.
In 2006, he was elected to represent the people of Rotuma in Fiji's parliament. He then became a government minister. He was the Minister of State for Immigration. However, his time in this role ended when the government was changed in a military takeover in December 2006.
Becoming President
Later, Mr. Konrote joined a new political party called FijiFirst. He was elected to parliament again in 2014. He then became the Minister for Employment Opportunities.
On October 12, 2015, Jioji Konrote was elected as the President of Fiji. He officially started his term on November 12, 2015. He served as president until November 12, 2021. During his time as president, he met important people. For example, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visited Fiji in 2018 and met with him.
See also
In Spanish: George Konrote para niños
