Service chiefs still refusing to salute Tsvangirai
From SW Radio Africa – by Tichaona Sibanda, 4th May 2009
Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa has still to brief Members of Parliament why the country’s defence chiefs still refuse to salute the Prime Minister, six weeks after the issue was raised by an MDC legislator.
The MDC MP for Makoni Central, John Nyamande, first raised the issue with Mnangagwa in March. His question has however been deferred on several occasions, due to the Defence Minister’s unavailability to respond to it.
‘Whether he’s ducking the question or not, I don’t know, but I will still ask him because sooner or later he’s going to be in parliament to answer questions,’ Nyamande said. Parliament is currently on one of it’s numerous breaks, but will reopen on the 12th May.
According to the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Assembly order no 18 of the 25th March 2009, MP Nyamande asked Mnangagwa whether the service chiefs still maintain that they will not salute Morgan Tsvangirai. He also asked the Defence Minister to explain their absence during the swearing in of Tsvangirai by Mugabe at State House.
‘People want to know what the service chiefs are up to,’ Nyamande added. The MP, an educationist by profession who holds a BA in Philosophy and a Masters in educational studies, defeated Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa in last year’s parliamentary elections.
‘In the spirit of the inclusiveness of government we expected that the service chiefs would follow in line with Robert Mugabe and Tsvangirai’s working relationship. What has suprised many of us is that they haven’t extended the same kind of respect and spirit of inclusiveness. That worries a lot of people,’ the MDC legislator said.
A source in Harare told us once Nyamande’s question was raised it was sent to Mnangagwa’s office, who in turn passed it over to the service chiefs for their input.
‘A lot of middle ranking and junior officers are of the opinion that if their commanders are reluctant to salute Tsvangirai, they should resign from the security forces. This issue has raised a series of consultations within the security forces and you can tell a lot of people are uncomfortable with the status quo,’ our source told us.
The service chiefs seem to be living up to their public vow which they made just before last year’s harmonized elections, when they said they were not going to salute Tsvangirai. Since the formation of the all inclusive government earlier this year, they have not yet demonstrated that they have abandoned their disdain for the Prime Minister.
The powerful service chiefs, who include Defence Forces Commander General Constantine Chiwenga, Army Commander Lieutenant General Phillip Sibanda, Prisons Commissioner Paradzai Zimondi, Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri, and Air Marshall Perence Shiri, are seen as a major stumbling block towards full implementation of the terms set by the unity agreement.
Jon Moses
My beloved country Zimbabwe is weeping because of Robert Mugabe. I consider these days to be worst time ever since Mugabe took the control of Zimbabwe. I will not go into the details how corrupt our leaders are. Along with corruption they dont’t even care if poor people live or die.
Mugabe and his government have sold our country for few dollars and now our national interests are also on sale by him. After 30 years of rulling Zimbabwe Mr. Mugabe still wants to suck more blood out of Zimbabweans. When I think about the situation in Zimbabwe my heart really goes, looking at the necessity which Zimbabweans does not have, such a Sugar, Wheat flour, Electricity, Gas, Jobs, clean drinking water and there is huge list which goes on and on that Zimbabweans as a nation does not enjoy.
However, leaders of our beloved country have refused to give up the office and the power so some new leaders with strong ambitions can repair the damage which our country has suffered over the decades. Along with denial to give up powers our leaders have turned a blind eye to the problems of poor Zimbabweans and they are enjoying a lavishing life style.
I always wonder why Zimbabwe does not utilizes the young Zimbabweans to produce various items which can later be sold in the international market such as Airplanes, Fast Trains, Weapon and war technology and various other items. Leaders of Zimbabwe have pledged to neglect this nation and they are extremely busy filling their own pockets with stolen poor people’s money.
I pray to God that the injustice vanishes soon and we see a real and authentic leader who can lead us through prosperity and happiness. I belive the leaders of Zimbabwe have failed to look after our beloved country and they have also failed to show care. We as a nation should unite together and raise against the ignorance we face today. Thank you – Jon.
Apr 12, 2010 @ 5:51 pm