The move comes as President Mugabe's Zanu (PF) party faces unprecedented disputes over its future and reports have filtered in from Zimbabwe Democracy Now that the militia will play a key role in Mugabe's election rigging strategy.
Deputy Youth minister of the MDC Tongai Matutu confirmed that the youth militia was being resuscitated. The revelation was taken by observers to mean that special units made up of ruling party youths and war veterans would be deployed in the rural areas, where 70 per cent of voters live, ahead of the presidential election.
The MDC reportedly agreed to resuscitate the youth militia as a concession to Zanu (PF) during negotiations to form the inclusive government. But the MDC has stated that it envisages a new youth corps free from indoctrination by Zanu (PF) propaganda or violence in its curriculum.
The Zimbabwean learnt that the youth corps would be "trained in self-defence" and encouraged to be proud to be Zimbabwean. Previously, the youths were trained in tactics that were among the most ruthless used to secure victory for Zanu (PF) in the elections.
Outwardly, at least, Mugabe is safely in the Zanu (PF) saddle and will use the militia to consolidate his position while promoting his protégé, Emmerson Mnangagwa, a sign that he has chosen his heir.
Mnangagwa, 69, was made Defence minister after reversing Mugabe's stunning electoral defeat last year. He is said to be Mugabe's favoured heir apparent, and believes in the use of strong-arm tactics to secure political incumbency.
Yet one party faction considers him "unelectable" as a presidential candidate, ostensibly because he is more ruthless than Mugabe. He is said to be strongly pushing for the resuscitation of the youth militia.
Post published in: News