Zanu-PF digs in on security sector reforms

The Minister of State Security and Zanu-PF Politburo member Sydney Sekeramayi says the debate surrounding the security sector reforms which the MDC-T has been clamouring for is baseless as it is a project by the erstwhile colonisers aimed at weakening the country for recolonisation.

The MDC-T through its leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai has been calling for security sector reforms.

As the country celebrates Defence Forces Day, Sekeramayi said efforts to weaken the country through the transformation of the security sector are efforts being spearheaded by the West to promote neo-colonialism.

Sekeramayi said Zimbabwe's security sector does not need reforms from elements that have been busy trying to incapacitate it.

"That is a project by the country's enemies who want to weaken the state. The security forces in the country are internationally acclaimed and very professional that is why they are called into peacekeeping missions. This is a mere project to destabilise the country and it is not acceptable," said Minister Sekeramayi.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Author Mutambara added his voice in condemning the calls for security sector reforms by the MDC-T, saying any transformation in the sector should not be determined by external forces as the country's sovereignty will be at stake.

"Any programme to transform the security sector should only be welcomed if it is called for by relevant authorities and not determined by outsiders. Remember these defence forces are our liberators and as such, they have played a key role in protecting our sovereignty," Professor Mutambara said.

Meanwhile, the new draft constitution has also received widespread condemnation from liberation war veterans, collaborators and ordinary Zimbabweans, who believe that a foreign hand is evident in the document.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ZDF Day commemorations held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, several people expressed their displeasure to the outcome of the COPAC process which led to the birth of the draft constitution expected to go to the referendum stage.

While the MDC formations have fully endorsed the outcome, Zanu-PF, the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) and other organisations have condemned the draft, saying it is not reflective of the peoples' views.

War veterans and collaborators have also joined the bandwagon in denouncing the draft, saying it is better for elections to be held under the Lancaster House constitution.

The constitutional making process was riddled with hustles from the onset and attempts to include foreign interests, such as homosexuality and the usurping of executive powers from a person appointed President, were exposed.

If the draft constitution is not accepted by the people, elections will be forced to be held under the prevailing constitution.