Army has no role in party politics

HARARE - It appears Zimbabwe will lurch from one crisis to another; never mind the concerted efforts that progressive movements put in trying to rescue the country from sliding into an abyss.

Barely two weeks after Southern African Development Community (Sadc) had implored quarrelling Zimbabwean coalition partners, on Friday Zanu-PF pressed another button aimed at causing more desperation and consternation within the inclusive government.

Statements by Zanu-PF secretary for administration - Didymus Mutasa - that the military will join the party in its electoral campaigns have sent shivers to pro-democracy and peaceful Zimbabweans.

"In as much as l do not know much about what is going on at Copac, personally l do not have a problem with the military choosing to campaign for a party of their choice.

"It is common knowledge that trade unions (ZCTU) campaign for the MDC and should we then say they should not do that. These people fought with us during the liberation struggle, so why should we discriminate against them. We cannot stop them from campaigning," Mutasa said.

Not only do Mutasa's remarks negate the gains made so far in the inclusive government since its consummation, but more worryingly, they show the recalcitrant attitude of Zanu-PF.

And it is clear that Zanu-PF has laid down the marker and is preparing to go for broke despite appearing to have a voice of reason which it uses for its own convenience.

What was the need for the meeting with President Jacob Zuma's backroom staff last week which had been dispatched to lay ground work for the resumption of talks between the GPA partners?

Mutasa's remarks cannot be treated as another scaremongering tactic by Zanu-PF because they resonate with previous utterances by generals.

There is no doubting the weight of those utterances which Sadc leaders have politely told President Robert Mugabe that they are dangerous and unsettling.

Once the military becomes involved in politics and puts its weight behind one political party, then we shudder to think the outcome of an election which goes against its agenda.

We hope that Mutasa might have relapsed into one of those Zanu-PF schizophrenic operas which are consistent with its failings.

Given the history of our military, which has not been known to dabble into politics, we can draw comfort in its constitutional mandate - to protect and safeguard the interests of Zimbabwe and its citizens.

And Zanu-PF is not Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe is not Zanu-PF!    

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