Not only War vets should rule Zimbabwe

A RECENTLY launched war veterans' association on non-aligned ex-combatants, the Concerned Freedom Fighters (CFF), has said it does not subscribe to the notion that only those with liberation war credentials were entitled to rule Zimbabwe.

CFF chairperson, Volta Siwela said statements by some ex-combatants that only those who fought in the liberation struggle were entitled to rule Zimbabwe were not only ill-thought out but nonsensical.

"We are peaceful war veterans yearning for a better future," he said.

"We are not an affiliate of any political party. We will work with those who want a developed and a violent and corruption-free Zimbabwe.

"That Zimbabwe should be ruled by those who have war credentials is nonsensical.

"All Zimbabweans are equal before God and before their people.

"Anyone chosen by the people should be allowed to rule, as that would be the wish of the people."

Top army commanders have in the past said they will not salute anyone without liberation war credentials.

In 2002, the late Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander, Vitalis Zvinavashe, flanked by then army commander, Constantine Chiwenga, Air Force of Zimbabwe commander, Perrance Shiri and Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri made veiled coup threats if MDC- T leader Morgan Tsvangirai won the presidential polls.

Siwela's statements came in the wake of utterances by the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) that only Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa should succeed President Robert Mugabe because he was the most senior Zanu-PF official after the 93-year old leader.

The ZNLWVA has been bidding for Mnangagwa, claiming the rival G40 faction was made up of war deserters and the Johnny-come-latelies with no liberation war credentials.

Siwela said CFF's objective was, among others, to ensure the welfare of ex-combatants was improved.