War vets march (29-08-07)

were planned to coincide with the official launch of the ruling party’s campaigns ahead of next year’s crunch joint municipal, legislative and presidential polls, recent SADC support for Zimbabwe ’s ageing ruler pushed organizers to change the focus of the event to fit what they call “victory against Western machinations.”
SADC leaders two weeks ago rallied around the aged despot in Lusaka , confounding critics who had hoped the octogenarian leader would be grilled for his marauding tyranny and ruinous handling of Zimbabwe ’s economy.
The State media here and indeed the war veterans, actuated by the solidarity from regional leaders, are now planning to celebrate that “diplomatic victory” in the streets of the capital. Curiously, police are going to escort the war veterans as they mach across the capital in support of Mugabe. Police have in the past ruthlessly crushed opposition processions against Mugabe’s disastrous 27-year rule.
The events, which include a procession across the capital from the ruling party’s Harare headquarters in 4th street to the Zanu (PG) headquarters at Rotten Row, will focus on the “resolute leadership” of Zimbabwe ’s tragic-comic dictator.
War veterans deputy head, Joseph Chinotimba, is among those to speak about the milestone achievements of Mugabe’s despotic rule.
The War Veterans Association has bussed its members from across the 10 political provinces, using funds donated by the ruling party. ZUPCO buses are being used to ferry the war veterans. Hundreds have already arrived in the capital and have been seen milling around at the Zanu (PF) headquarters today.
Observers say the procession highlights the crucial role the former guerillas will play in next year’s joint polls.
The Zimbabwean heard the ruling party’s Information portfolio has designed banners replete with hard-line rhetoric denouncing the opposition and Zanu (PF)’s sworn archenemy Britain and her allies.
Some of the banners would rally support for Mugabe’s disastrous price war edict that has sparked critical shortages of basics.
Chinotimba told The Zimbabwean today: “The march is for President support. As war veteran we support our President. We will march to show support against MDC and Tsvangirai.”
Chinotimba said war veterans were not worried about the shortages of basics because “MDC is removing things from shops.” He said war veterans were unanimous that Mugabe was the ruling party candidate in next year’s presidential polls.
He alleged the shortages of basics in the supermarket were part of a wider plot by the MDC to incite Zimbabweans to revolt against Mugabe.
“But war veteran know Mugabe is our hero. MDC wants regime change,” he said. “This country will never go back to the British again.”
The Zimbabwean heard Mugabe would address the war veterans after their mach at the party headquarters.
War veterans have been instrumental in the past in ensuring Mugabe retains power. They have mainly been used as Mugabe’s shock troops in previous elections to intimidate the opposition by unleashing an orgy of violence.