The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander, Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe’s public support for the ruling Zanu PF party has generated concern among the opposition.
The Patriotic Front (TPF) political party called for a separation of powers and expressed deep concern over the army commander’s “political bidding” for Zanu PF.
TPF considers Lt. Gen. Sanyatwe’s remarks, made at a recent Zanu PF rally, an “unfortunate” betrayal of the liberation struggle’s ideals and vision for a democratic Zimbabwe.
Addressing a recent Zanu PF rally in Nyanga North constituency where Lieut. Gen. Sanyatwe’s wife, Chido is MP, the national army commander declared his unwavering allegiance to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Zanu PF party.
In the video circulating on social media, the Lieut. Gen. Sanyatwe is heard stating: “Zanu PF will rule forever, whether you like it or not. Speaking as the Army Commander, I can tell you that we are going to use what is called command voting. Forward with Zanu PF, forward with Mnangagwa, down with our opponents.”
The TPF said although it is not clear when exactly the video was recorded, it still does not take away the fact that it exposes the political leaning of the army commander.
“While it is expected that members of the armed forces support the programmes of the government of the day, it is imperative that this support is distinctly separated from the interests of the political party forming that government,” said the opposition party, which stated it was quite unfortunate that the conflation of the ruling party and the State has been a persistent issue under Zanu PF since it first came to power in 1980.
This blurring of lines undermines the fundamental principles of democracy and good governance, said the TPF party.
“Although it is regrettably true that certain opposition parties are perceived as promoting Western interests, it is important to address the false claims that the opposition is being targeted for violence, harassment, and torture because of that,” said the party.
According to TPF, the crucial historical context for the attack on the opposition is that ZAPU, which “fought valiantly” to free Zimbabwe, was decimated, with more than 20 000 people in Matabeleland, predominantly civilians, killed during Gukurahundi genocide.
“Members of the Zimbabwean military and other armed forces must remain steadfast in their constitutional duty to safeguard democracy, uphold racial and tribal equality, and protect the principle of one man, one vote, as well as the right to political choice,” TPF said.
Safeguarding democracy and protecting the principle of one man, one vote are ideals which TPF said Zimbabweans collectively fought during the liberation struggle.
“The uniformed forces must prioritise protecting national interests, which Zanu PF, in its betrayal of the ethos and vision of the liberation struggle, has continuously breached since 1980 through mass killings, fostering racial and tribal divisions, dictatorship, political intolerance, miss-governance and looting, among others,” said the opposition party.
“It is essential for military commanders to remember that safeguarding national interests and preparing a better future for the next generation is far more important than merely bidding for a failing party to win the next election.”
TPF urged the military to focus on these higher objectives and work towards realising them for the benefit of all Zimbabweans.
Lieut. Gen. Sanyatwe is also associated for his role in the killing of six people during the August 1, 2018 protests after protesters thronged the streets in Harare demanding the release of the presidential election result.
