Chiwenga, a general who always wanted to be a politician

SURVIVING IN TODAY,S ZDF — VIEWS OF TWO SERVING OFFICERS

Date:2010 January 9, 10:42 (Saturday) Canonical ID:10HARARE7_a

Original Classification:CONFIDENTIAL Current Classification:CONFIDENTIAL

Handling Restrictions– Not Assigned —

Character Count:14004

Executive Order:– Not Assigned — Locator:TEXT ONLINE

TAGS:MARR – Military and Defense Affairs–Military and Defense Arrangements | PGOV – Political Affairs–Government; Internal Governmental Affairs | PREL – Political Affairs–External Political Relations | ZI – Zimbabwe Concepts:– Not Assigned —

Enclosure:– Not Assigned — Type:TE – Telegram (cable)

Office Origin:– N/A or Blank —

Office Action:– N/A or Blank — Archive Status:– Not Assigned —

From:Zimbabwe Harare Markings:– Not Assigned —

SUMMARY

1. (C) The most senior ranks of the Zimbabwean military are so entwined with ZANU-PF as to be practically indistinguishable from the party. This is particularly frustrating for many officers who want to concentrate on building a professional military that can serve as a national army and play a role in regional stability.

2. (C/NF) The following views are from two general officers currently serving, who spoke privately with Ambassador and DATT on January 5 and 6; Brigadier General Herbert Chingono (strictly protect), Inspector General for the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), and Major General Fidelis Satuku (strictly protect), Director General for Policy and Personnel, Zimbabwe Defense Forces (ZDF). END SUMMARY.

FACTIONS AND SANCTIONS

3. (C) There are no "factions" within the military, as this implies leadership around which factions can coalesce. There are different attitudes and opinions: full support of ZANU-PF, recognition that the military has been politicized and improperly used, and the fence sitters who are waiting to see who comes out on top. Except for those who are fully in bed with ZANU-PF, people keep their views private to avoid being accused of treason, which can have fatal consequences.

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(1103 VIEWS)

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Charles Rukuni

The Insider is a political and business bulletin about Zimbabwe, edited by Charles Rukuni. Founded in 1990, it was a printed 12-page subscription only newsletter until 2003 when Zimbabwe's hyper-inflation made it impossible to continue printing.