Editorial 45

t he should do so soon.
They say they have been forced to remind the aging dictator of his promises to go peacefully and willingly by savage in-fighting and a nation-wide drop in support. But of course the bottom line is that they want to save their own skins by ensuring that Zanu (PF) remains in power in the most post-Mugabe era.
Only if that happens will they be able to continue to enjoy the disgustingly luxurious lifestyles to which they have become accustomed, while the majority of Zimbabweans continue to live in appalling poverty and squalor.
It is also interesting that the generals suggested that, in view of the internecine warfare with the party over the succession issue, one of them could take over from Mugabe.
This is very dangerous thinking. Zimbabwe is already highly militarised, what with colonels, generals and brigadiers running numerous parastatals and government ministries. A military take-over of the presidency would usurp what little power the people have left.
It is encouraging however, that the generals also told Mugabe that a civilian succession would have to be done constitutionally. We presume they mean that free and fair elections, conducted in accordance with international standards, must take place. It would be extremely helpful if the generals would come out into the open and say exactly what they mean in this regard.
We support their endeavours to orchestrate a peaceful end to Mugabe’s over-long rule. We ask them to grasp firmly and positively the opportunity presented by his departure to do things right for Zimbabwe. That is, to bring back constitutional government and the rule of law, an impartial judiciary, international engagement, and so on.
First and foremost is the need for a new constitution, removing the excessive presidential powers conferred upon one man by the numerous amendments to the Lancaster House Ceasefire document. The NCA has boldly taken the lead and it is up to the political opposition, civic society, the churches and all other interested parties to champion this cause.