The two officials, Brigadier General Herbert Chingono and Major General Fidelis Satuku, were quoted by US Ambassador Charles Ray last year as describing their commander, General Constantine Chiwenga, as a “political general” with “little practical military experience or expertise”. This is according to a recently released diplomatic cable from the Harare Embassy to the US State Department in Washington, leaked by the whistle blowing group WikiLeaks.
Read cable:
http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=10HARARE7&q=chiwenga
According to the cable, the two generals took time to explain the situation and dynamics in the military to Ray. They also spoke about Chiwenga’s political ambitions, different views and opinions within the army, conditions of service and politics, including sanctions.
Chingono and Satuku told Ray the current Zimbabwe situation could end in conflict if not carefully managed, with Ray writing: “To think that there would be little or no conflict in such a government is naïve. That said, both sides in the current lash-up must work out their differences – they owe it to the people who elected them.”
Ray distinguished the two generals from “some of the senior military,” who were part of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, because “they sought to develop professional military credentials.” The US Ambassador also noted the risk the two had taken, writing that they could face treason charges for engaging in the “unsanctioned” meeting with the US.
“Except for those who are fully in bed with ZANU PF, people keep their views private to avoid being accused of treason, which can have fatal consequences,” he wrote.
There are now reports that the two will face retribution for their disclosures to the Americans, including possible treason charges. According to South Africa’s Sunday Times newspaper, which quoted military sources, the top brass of the defence forces are contemplating the court martial of the generals.
“It is a very difficult situation. Some top army commanders see this as a tale of traitors, betrayal and treachery and hence they want a swift response,” a senior commander in the military is quoted as saying. “In the army, once you do such things, they charge you with treason and you will be court-martialed.”
Former soldier and military historian Dr Martin Rupiya told SW Radio Africa on Monday that under normal circumstances, what the two generals had said would not necessarily lead to drastic action, such as a court martial.
“It is a sign of the environment in Zimbabwe. People have been reduced to whispering in forums where what they say is criminalised. This restrictive environment tends to criminalise ordinary debate and discussion,” Rupiya said.
He added that the generals were not caught disclosing any information that would be termed as sensitive under normal circumstances.
“These are clearly thinking military men that see a crisis unfolding in their country, and they are struggling to find a solution. They were speaking in this context,” Rupiya said. -SW Radio Africa News
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