via Army on high alert on Zanu PF internal strife – The Zimbabwe Independent 3 November 2014 by Elias Mambo
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) is on high alert after recalling soldiers on leave in an effort to thwart any disturbances that may erupt as the ongoing Zanu PF succession battle ahead of the party’s crucial December elective congress reaches its climax, the Zimbabwe Independent has learnt.
Sources also revealed the army had stopped officers from going off-duty ahead of the congress as the political and security situation deteriorates.
“Communication has been relayed to all relevant authorities to recall those on leave while off days have been suspended until further notice as the army is readying itself to combat any violence that may erupt as the race to succeed President Robert Mugabe hots up,” said a senior army officer.
The officer also said “whatever is happening in Zanu PF was a source of concern because it had increased political tension in the country and could lead to instability”.
Zanu PF is in turmoil ahead of the congress as rival factions, one led by Vice-President Joice Mujuru and the other by Justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa battle to position themselves to succeed Mugabe who has been in power since 1980.
The Mnangagwa faction has joined hands with Mugabe’s wife Grace, who has been savagely attacking Mujuru lately, increasing tensions in the party. Relations within Zanu PF have deteriorated so much that public officials are now routinely trading insults in public.
Since January, the ZNA has been forcing its members to go on two weeks’ leave every month to reduce spending on food and utility bills at barracks. However, internal strife within Zanu PF has resulted in the army recalling soldiers who are off-duty.
Director of army public relations Lieutenant-Colonel Overson Mugwisi denied the army was watching Zanu PF developments closely although he said the army stands ready to defend the country.
“Our duty is to defend Zimbabwe from any external invasion and we are always ready to do so. We are not interested in Zanu PF’s internal issues; that is not part of our mandate,” Mugwisi said.
But contrary to Mugwisi’s claims that the army is not interested in Zanu PF’s internal matters, the military has a history of interfering in partisan politics to prop up Zanu PF whenever its continued rule is under threat and is widely seen as the power behind Mugabe’s throne.
The army has been deployed in the run-up to elections covertly and sometimes openly to execute commissariat duties for Zanu PF, particularly during the presidential election run-off in 2008 after Mugabe lost the first round of elections to MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai, in flagrant violation of the Defence Act.
The army launched a violent campaign during the run-off to ensure Mugabe’s re-election.
Zanu PF has now formally employed former air vice-marshal Henry Muchena and ex-CIO director-internal Sydney Nyanhungo in the party’s commissariat department as it militarised its structures.
COMMENTS
Who does not know where the army stands? Protect citizens, no. Protect Zanupf interests, yes.
What does the army have to do with political infighting?
They are obviously getting ready to kill a few Zimbabwe citizens who might not be towing the ZPF party line.
So, what will the army do? Get the water tanks out and hose them down in parliament!
The ZNA has been entirely politicised by Mr Mugabe.
The generals have been encouraged to participate in politics and to threaten Mr Mugabe’s opposition.
A politicised army is a threat to democracy.
This is one part of Mr Mugabe’s failure as a national leader.
Munangagwa has the majority support of the military, although Joice has a certain number supporting her cause. One can only hope that down the track they are released to have a full go at one another.
You are mistaken to think Munangagwa has the support of majority of military…supporting a millionaire masoja acho achiva nenzara. Soldiers are not stupid they know where they will stand in the event of clashes happening, gone are they days and the old officers who used to support Munangagwa. The circus will be entertaining…South Sudan style!!
Is the congress there to remove Mugabe or Joyce which is which? I thought the position under threat is VP position. But can somebody tell e where people said they don’t want Grace to lead the Women’s League. Giving a dog a bad name to kill it is what is happening in ZanuPF.When we hear succession race hots up we wonder who is being succeeded here because Mugabe has said there is no vacancy.
Is the congress there to remove Mugabe or Joyce which is which? I thought the position under threat is VP position. But can somebody tell e where people said they don’t want Grace to lead the Women’s League. Giving a dog a bad name to kill it is what is happening in ZanuPF.When we hear succession race hots up we wonder who is being succeeded here because Mugabe has said there is no vacancy.
And when Prophets spoke of violence and bloodshed all fingers were pointed at MDC
thats why some of left the ZNA its part of the zanu youth,of which some of us dont want to be used by these zanu pf cowards