The law that Mugabe gave to Deuschle
Muckraker Column - Zimbabwe Independent
DEFENCE minister Sydney Sekeramayi has called on defence attachés accredited to Zimbabwe not to engage in local politics but to concentrate on giving military advice.
“May I remind you that the world over the defence forces as the most powerful instrument of the state apparatus must be apolitical for they are meant to guarantee the peace and security of every citizen in the nation irrespective of religious, political or social affiliation,” he said in a speech read on his behalf at a reception for the defence attachés.
This is as it should be. Political neutrality and professionalism go hand in hand. That is why it is unforgivable when senior military commanders intervene in election campaigns to inform the voting public who is or is not acceptable to the armed forces as a candidate. That is why the military must not play any role in electoral supervision. That is why it is unhealthy for ex-military officers to be given party-political posts after their retirement. That is why serving officers should not engage in private business.
Most of the defence attachés present at the reception last Friday knew that already. They probably wondered if their absent host did!
The official media recently gave coverage to the presentation of a cheque for $30 million to President Mugabe by Hear the Word Ministries pastor Tom Deuschle. Readers of the Independent have expressed their indignation in our letters columns. They will be even more angered to hear what Deuschle had to say at the ceremony.
“Pastor Deuschle said the church supported the freedom of the people but that should be expressed within the confines of the law,” the Herald reported.