Brig-General Nyikayaramba is committing treason: Tsvangirai

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has warned that Brigadier-General Douglas Nyikayaramba is committing treason through his continued threats to undermine democracy in the country a local daily newspaper revealed.

The PM said Nyikayaramba was threatening to disrespect the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

Tsvangirai was responding to comments made by the army general, in which he described the PM as a “national security threat rather than a political one”.

Political analysts and observers agreed with the PM, saying Nyikayaramba was now a threat to democracy in Zimbabwe.

They pointed out that this was a clear declaration that there was “no vacancy at State House” even if elections were to be organised with the post of the President up for contest. Eldred Masunungure, a political analyst, said the issue could now be solved only by President Robert Mugabe or the regional bloc, Sadc.

Exiled journalist Lance Guma said: “At last we have a clear-as- glass statement from the military confirming that they are in charge.

Nyikayaramba told the State-controlled Herald newspaper on Tuesday Tsvangirai’s conduct was a danger to the security of the country and justified army generals’ participation in politics.

He declared that he would not serve under the leadership of anyone who did not have liberation war credentials and that security forces would do anything to make sure President Mugabe remained in power until they felt the “threat” was over.

But Tsvangirai said Nyikayaramba’s behaviour was one of the major reasons why there was urgent need for security sector reforms in Zimbabwe.

Nyikayaramba said daydreamers who want to reverse the gains of our liberation struggle will continue daydreaming. They can go to hell . . . they will never rule this country. Nyikayaramba was reacting to statements by Tsvangirai at a rally in Mkoba, Gweru, on Sunday where he urged ambitious security chiefs to resign and contest for political power.

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