News / National
Zimbabwe army commander defends army presence in rural areas
01 Aug 2011 at 19:15hrs | Views
Zimbabwe National Army commander Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda has defended army presence in districts across Zimbabwe.
Lt Gen Sibanda said there was nothing unusual with the soldiers' presence in the rural areas as they would be assisting Government departments.
He said some of the soldiers would also be going through their training schedules.
General Sibanda said the national army was a professional force and like any other armed force, it does preparations for war and re-equipment during peacetime.
His remarks followed media reports that the ZNA had deployed members in rural areas to aid the Zanu-PF campaign ahead of an anticipated general election.
Lt Gen Sibanda said the ZNA had a vision to transform the force in the next five years and become more efficient and effective.
He said the ZNA was facing operational challenges just like any other Government department due to financial constraints.
Lt Gen Sibanda said the force was not getting enough resources from Government but it was making efforts to survive within its means.
Lt Gen Sibanda said there was nothing unusual with the soldiers' presence in the rural areas as they would be assisting Government departments.
He said some of the soldiers would also be going through their training schedules.
General Sibanda said the national army was a professional force and like any other armed force, it does preparations for war and re-equipment during peacetime.
Lt Gen Sibanda said the ZNA had a vision to transform the force in the next five years and become more efficient and effective.
He said the ZNA was facing operational challenges just like any other Government department due to financial constraints.
Lt Gen Sibanda said the force was not getting enough resources from Government but it was making efforts to survive within its means.
Source - Byo24News
