Row over partisan army chiefs intensifies

The acrimonious row over security sector reforms and the role of the military in the next crucial general elections has intensified with Morgan Tsvangirai upping the ante on the issue by lobbying Sadc leaders this week, while MDC-T defence secretary, Giles Mutsekwa, fiercely hit back at those attacking him for disclosing that he has been engaging the army commanders ahead of polls.

A local 'think-tank' says credible polls are impossible without wide-sweeping security sector restructuring, as securocrats continue to block reform in contravention of a Sadc resolution.

In its latest report, the Zimbabwe Democratic Institute has implored the facilitator to the Zimbabwean crisis, South African President Jacob Zuma, to ensure that the military stayed out of politics as the country heads to general elections.