HARARE - The overstaffed and overspent Zimbabwe Defence Forces, groaning under the weight of a $139 million debt to suppliers, has asked the treasury to step in.
We are unable to meet our contractual obligations to the tune of $139 million and cannot get new equipment because we are said to be bad debtors. We are being reduced to an army of mere tribesmen and the meagre resources will hamper the Zimbabwe National Army from meeting its constitutional obligations, said the acting commander, Martin Chedondo.
The army, led by President Robert Mugabes trusted ally Emerson Mnangagwa, has been used to crush political dissent and terrorise the countrys citizens.
Zimbabwes traditional suppliers of army equipment have placed an embargo on supply of weaponry, citing the abuse of human rights and the involvement of the army in civil matters.
Despite the embargo Mugabe has been able to subvert the restrictions imposed by the West and is trading with eastern countries, especially China and Russia, for army supplies.
Human rights groups allege that Mugabe has been trading ivory for guns with the likes of North Korea and China.
Post published in: News