The opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) has called on the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) to respect the rights and freedoms of citizens and to uphold their constitutional mandate of protecting the people, rather than violating them.
In a statement to commemorate Zimbabwe’s Defence Forces Day, CCC National Spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, said the constitutionally defined roles are to protect Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, to participate in the design of a shared regional security architecture, to play a role in the preservation of international stability and peace, and to assist the civilian authority in times of need.
“On this day of commemoration, we call on the Defence Forces to remember their constitutional mandate to the people of Zimbabwe. We ask that they act in a manner that serves the interests of all Zimbabweans by fully complying with their constitutional obligation to respect the lives and dignity of the people in the execution of their duties,” she said.
“In line with the Constitution, we demand the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms by the Defence Forces. Our security services must protect and not threaten citizens. The democratic expression of citizens must be safeguarded. We reiterate our call for a Defence Forces for everyone.”
Nevertheless, Mahere commended the Defence Forces for having distinguished themselves in many of their constitutionally-defined roles.
“For 43 years, they have safeguarded Zimbabwe’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We take pride in their sterling performances in various peacekeeping missions in Africa and the role they continue to play in aiding the civilian authority to save lives, deliver humanitarian aid and spearhead emergency reconstruction as they did in 2019 in the wake of Cyclone Idai,” she said.
However, the CCC national spokesperson said the Defence Forces’ 43 years of service have been undermined by partisan politics.
“We note with particular sadness the attempt to poison and politicize the Defence Forces for partisan purposes and repression,” Mahere said.
She emphasised that under the upcoming Citizen Government, weapons and arms of war will never be deployed to support a political party’s partisan interests or impede the citizens’ right to demonstrate peacefully.
“Our Defence Forces will support collective national interests taking due cognisance of the fundamental rights and diversity of the citizenry. The professional standing of the Defence Forces will not be interfered with,” said Mahere.
“The Defence Forces will be given the space to serve the people as prescribed by law. We will improve the conditions of service of rank and file soldiers. They deserve to earn a living USD wage and conditions of service befitting the important constitutional role they are mandated to play in our society.”
