Thirty-one years since the advent of Independence in Zimbabwe, and only two years after the inauguration of the inclusive government, it is apparent that all is not well in the power structures of this nation. The foot-dragging that is the hallmark of President Mugabes Zanu (PF) in relation to the implementation of the provisions of the global political agreement (GPA) is clearly a function of the diversity of opinions in that beleaguered party regarding the merits and demerits of the government of national unity (GNU).
It is my considered view that there is a Fifth Column within Zanu (PF) that is very unhappy about the continued existence of the GNU. This Fifth Column largely comprises hardliners or hawks who view the inclusion of the two MDC formations in government as an intrusion and a negation of the power and authority of Zanu (PF).
Included in this Fifth Column are the securocrats, who have effectively taken over the running of Zanu (PF) from the civilians. Mugabe is merely the front used by this Fifth Column to give a semblance of civility to an essentially military take over and control of all national affairs.
The detested Joint Operations Command (JOC), comprising mainly but not exclusively the chiefs of staff, is the core of the Fifth Column. The Fifth Column would like to see the GNU collapse as soon as possible and fresh elections held regardless of whether a new constitution will have been adopted or not. In fact the Fifth Column would prefer to have elections under the current constitution which is significantly favourable to Zanu (PF).
Elements of the Fifth Column are notorious for, inter alia, gross violations of human rights, abuse of power, ridiculous demands for support for Mugabe and Zanu (PF) from all Zimbabweans, and high levels of corruption. Most of the vicious attacks levelled against the SADC Troika following its Livingstone mini summit were authored and directed by members of the Fifth Column. Mugabe had to undertake serious damage control soon after these attacks were published, but to date there is clear evidence that the hawks within Zanu (PF) are increasingly becoming impatient with the 87-year old man and his diplomatic etiquette.
If the Fifth Column could have its way the GNU would be dissolved and fresh elections called before you can say, Jack. Mugabe is well aware that the threats from the SADC and Jacob Zuma need to be taken seriously. The Fifth Column is crudely undiplomatic in its approach. It regrets that Mugabe is handling the MDC formations with kid gloves.
Indeed, most of the current arrests and harassment of MDC members and supporters are the work of this group. The purpose of these evil acts is to get the MDC formations so frustrated that they will throw in the towel and walk out of the GNU. Fortunately, the leaderships of the MDC formations are aware of these sick machinations and are determined to hold on to the democratic space that they have managed to emancipate from the Mugabe dictatorship.
The question that demands answers is: how do we deal with this Fifth Column in the next few months? My view is that the Fifth Column is doing a lot to discredit itself as well as to alienate itself from Mugabe, the SADC and the doves within Zanu (PF).
The Fifth Column contains the seeds of its own destruction. It must be accorded enough rope to hang itself as it almost did following the latest SADC Troika meeting. It is also likely to botch up matters big time during or soon after the forthcoming SADC extraordinary summit in Windhoek next month.
Post published in: Opinions