US Envoy Says Army Already in Charge

SW Radio Africa (London)

Lance Guma

17 June 2011

The United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Charles Ray, has put the cat among the pigeons by suggesting that Robert Mugabe is now just a figurehead and his departure will not change anything, because the army is already firmly in charge.

Addressing journalists in Bulawayo on Thursday Ray said the focus on Zimbabwe should be to change the system of governance, not individuals. “There is no way you can build a house from the roof. Some people might argue about this but removing him from power will only see minor positive developments in the country,” he said.

The comments from the US envoy come as speculation swirls in the country that military and state security chiefs are plotting to impose army general Constantine Chiwenga as the next president, should Mugabe die in office or become too ill. The security chiefs are said to be disillusioned with the serious infighting within ZANU PF and Mugabe’s failing health has only served to heighten their anxieties.

In March this year Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai claimed there had been a “hostile takeover” in the running of affairs in the country, with “dark and sinister forces” in control. Priscilla Misihairabwi Mushonga from the smaller MDC faction called it a ‘silent coup’.

However political commentator Bekithemba Mhlanga advised caution in drawing conclusions. Speaking on our Reporters Forum programme he said; “We need to be careful about elevating the army to a status it actually does not have.” He said the “perceived authority” of the army comes from its relationship with Mugabe and should Mugabe depart the scene it was likely to be different.

Mhlanga said Mugabe might have the backing of some of the top army commanders but this did not translate into general support within the military structures as a whole. He said just like Al Qaeda and the Taliban, there are fanatical followers who view themselves as an extension of the movement. The Zimbabwean generals had a similar relationship with Mugabe.

Amidst the speculation, the one clear thing is that both serving and retired army figures under Mugabe’s rule have snaked their way into many spheres of influence. They can be found in the election and media commissions, state media, parastatals, judiciary, sports and business. The controversial diamond mining in Chiadzwa is predominantly controlled by senior army and state security figures, with some help from China.

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