Negotiators Agree On Probe Into Army Atrocities

SW Radio Africa (London)

Lance Guma

11 May 2011

Inter-party negotiators from Zimbabwe are reported to have struck an agreement in South Africa to set up an independent commission of inquiry into the role of the army in the abduction, torture and murder of civilians.

A report by the Daily News newspaper says the agreement reached by the MDC-T, MDC-N and ZANU PF negotiators in Cape Town is “intended to pave the way for much-needed security sector reforms.” The paper says the negotiators also agreed to come up with recommendations for the de-militarisation of state institutions.

A source quoted by the Daily News confirmed they had made a ‘breakthrough’ and the parties had agreed that they “set up an independent three-man commission of inquiry to investigate and compile a report detailing all forms of violations including violence, torture of civilians and abductions by members of the security forces.”

Questions were immediately raised as to why a commission of inquiry was necessary to investigate crimes already well documented by dozens of human rights groups. Worryingly the Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee (JOMIC), a toothless body created to oversee implementation and breaches of the 2008 power sharing deal, will be involved in setting up the commission.

But ZANU PF chief negotiator Patrick Chinamasa seemed to be casting doubt on whether agreement had indeed been reached on the commission. “I know where that information came from. It is the position of the MDC-T. We are going to meet to produce the report on our deliberations. It can’t be this week because some negotiators are committed,” he was quoted as saying.

Under the 2008 power sharing deal an Organ on National Healing and Reconciliation, jointly led by three ministers from the three main political parties, was set up to drive a healing agenda. But ZANU PF’s impunity ensured the body accomplished nothing. The same fate befell JOMIC, who at one time did not even have an office or a budget.

A commentator who refused to be named told SW Radio Africa; “Investigating abuses by the military as is being suggested might sound noble, but what is the point if you still have the same soldiers deployed around the country, especially in rural communities and committing the same abuses?”

Other observers have noted that an investigation commission is also a useful delaying tactic.

Just as we reported yesterday, there is infighting between two camps in ZANU PF. One camp led by Defence Minister Mnangagwa is pushing for an early national election, having overseen the deployment of soldiers, CIO’s and youth militia around the country to intimidate the electorate. The group will find it difficult to politically and economically sustain this deployment if elections are delayed.

The other camp in ZANU PF, led by chief power broker and retired army general Solomon Mujuru, is made up of what is loosely described as moderates. This group we are told is more business-oriented and willing to negotiate with the MDC and postpone elections, as long as their ability to plunder the country is not affected.

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