Parly’s debate on ‘errant’ security forces

The legislator, Settlement Chikwinya, said on Thursday he was happy the motion managed to draw interest from the public, whose rights had been subverted by the military since independence.

“The military itself has taken interest in this motion because we have touched a raw nerve. It is unprecedented for Parliament to be debating security sector reform,” he said.

“This is because all along before the inclusive government, Zanu (PF) has been predominantly controlling Parliament. Now that we are in Parliament we have to leave no stone unturned to ensure the military recognises and observes the supremacy of democratic institutions,” Chikwinya said.

Debate on the motion was suspended to the next session of Parliament after the third session ended on Thursday. The fourth session is expected to be officially opened by Robert Mugabe at the end of this month.

“I strongly believe it was a good motion as it also attracted the ire of the President because the military is one of his pillars of strength,” Chikwinya added.

Mugabe waded into this debate when he told his Zanu (PF) central committee meeting last month that Parliament had no business discussing the conduct of security forces, saying the issue could only be discussed in appropriate forums.

“As Commander-in-Chief of the security forces, I want to make it very clear that no one should meddle with the command. Parliament cannot be Commander-in-Chief of the security forces. It has no business debating the conduct of individuals in command. Let them raise that with me in appropriate forums,” Mugabe said.

Chikwinya, who is one of the MDC-T’s rising stars, said having held power for some three decades, Mugabe still believes the authority of the military could not be questioned, while for a long time, the civilian population also conceded that the institution’s dominance could not be challenged.

“With the birth of the unity government, attitudes have changed, the MDC is saying the military should have nothing to do with politics, the armed forces should be subject to democratic control, and should respect the rights of civilians,” he said.