Tsvangirai ‘ wrong’ on Mugabe’s security sector power base

Speaking at a peace rally held in Chinhoyi over the weekend Tsvangirai advised Mugabe not to put too much trust on “mere mortals” but rather to count on divine strength.

The rally was organised by different churches to prepare the nation for peaceful, free and fair elections, expected later this year.

According to the NewsDay newspaper, Tsvangirai told the gathering: “What I am emphasising to my fellow comrade (Mugabe) is that it is folly to bank on the might of fellow human beings, the armed forces. That is not the power base you should be bragging about and banking on. Count on the strength and might of the Lord, our God.”

While the utterances were a caution to Mugabe whose 33-year rule has largely been propped up by security chiefs, some people think the PM’s statements could be misleading, considering what has happened in the past.

Baster Magwizi, chairman of the freedom fighters ZIPRA Veterans Trust said Tsvangirai’s statements can be misinterpreted and used against him.

He said: “Tsvangirai is making too many mistakes by issuing arbitrary statements. The army generals have given strength to the current regime. It is wrong to say, ‘They are mere mortals.’”

Magwizi said it is surprising that Tsvangirai thinks the generals will alter their loyalty to Mugabe.

“I think he needs to be coached on the necessity and significance of security sector reform. He should also demand security sector reform,” Magwizi stated.

Political commentator Wilfred Mhanda told SW Radio Africa’s Lionel Saungweme that rather than leaving Mugabe’s fate to God, the MDC-T leader should be insisting on security sector reforms.

Mhanda said the PM’s statement won’t change anything because Mugabe actually depends on the generals, who have openly stated that their allegiance lies with Mugabe, and are on record as saying they will not salute the MDC leader, even if he wins the presidential race.

Outspoken political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said it is premature for Tsvangirai to see any change in the way the army operates, and said that as long as the reforms that were agreed to as part of the GPA were not implemented, Zimbabweans will need to do their bit rather than leave everything to God.

“To use high moral ground and spiritualism does not really work with ZANU PF. As long as Mugabe is alive and as long as there is that umbilical cord link between the regime and the military sector, we can pray all we want but the generals can just wake up and say ‘you aren’t taking over’ to whoever wins the next election.

“Tsvangirai should be underlining the need for reforms and for a return to the supremacy of the law and the constitution,” Ngwenya said.

During the event the PM had also emphasised the peace call by President Mugabe during Independence Day celebrations, saying: “Peace has never been given so much attention in this country before. These are words that build the nation. Violence is a culture, a value system which is strengthened by impunity.”

However, Saungweme said it is surprising that Tsvangirai was taking Mugabe’s call seriously, given that over the years the ZANU PF leader has clearly demonstrated his love for violence, even declaring that “ZANU PF has degrees in violence. He clearly never spoke about a degree in peace.” – SW Radio Africa