Analysis of Mugabes statements on Violence Amnesty
HARARE – President Robert Mugabe could be paving the way for allies and himself to avoid future punishment for past political violence crimes that have blighted the country, after the veteran leader said a national healing process under way would not penalise offenders but will work to avoid future conflict, analysts said.
His statement – the first time he has inadvertently admitted political violence took place in past elections – contrasts sharply with Prime Minister and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai who says there can be no national healing and reconciliation without justice.
MDC members, including Tsvangirai, have borne the brunt of organised political violence from security forces and Mugabe’s supporters since 2000 with several hundreds killed while many more have been uprooted from their homes by war veterans and youth militia loyal to the veteran leader.
But the violence climaxed in 2008 when Mugabe sought to reverse his first ever defeat in a presidential election by MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai. Known senior security officers led ZANU-PF loyalists on a campaign that left 200 opposition supporters dead and even shocked other neutral African leaders.
Fear of prosecution
“It goes without saying that Mugabe has never at any time sought to let the course of the law take effect or for justice to be served when crimes are committed by his supporters,” John Makumbe, a veteran political analyst and critic of Mugabe’s policies said.
“But it is not surprising because any moves to punish those who have fouled against the law may incriminate Mugabe himself. How will he respond if they say they were sent by Mugabe?” said Makumbe.
ZANU-PF supporters are known to commit violence in Mugabe’s name and even boast that they are immune to prosecution.
Some political analysts have long speculated that Mugabe and his allies, especially senior military figures and those in the dreaded national spy agency have continued to hold onto power fearing prosecution for crimes against humanity if they stepped down.
Fifth Brigade
A crack Fifth Brigade army unity that reported directly to Mugabe committed atrocities in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces in the early years of independence while pursuing dissidents.
Although nearly 20,000 civilians were killed in that operation, no single person has been prosecuted and some of the officers who commanded Fifth Brigade are now senior defence forces commanders who form the bulwark of Mugabe’s stay in office.
Analysts say Mugabe’s statement on Monday, while allaying fears of arrest among his rank and file, could be an incentive for them to continue unleashing more violence with impunity.
“We have embarked in earnest on the process of national healing, reconciliation and integration. For the sake of our children and posterity, I want to urge all of you to note that the process of reconciliation is national,” Mugabe said during Heroes Day commemorations on Monday.
“It does not seek to ferret out supposed criminals for punishment but rather calls on all of us to avoid the deadly snare of political conflict. Guided by the spirit of tolerance, we should continue to work together in promoting peace and stability regardless of political or religious affiliation.”
Political commentators say ZANU-PF will most likely lose free and fair elections to Tsvangirai’s MDC but question whether the 86-year-old leader who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980 is capable of holding free and fair elections.
While Mugabe has publicly discouraged the use of political violence, critics say he tacitly approves its use to intimidate opponents and will not act on the perpetrators.
A dangerous habit
Police have turned a blind eye to ZANU-PF violence but are quick to arrest opposition supporters suspected of political violence.
In March 2007, police brutally beat up Tsvangirai inside a police station and pictures of the then opposition leader’s swollen face shocked the world and embarrassed Mugabe’s supporters on the continent and led to calls by the West for him to step down.
“It (use of violence) has become a dangerous habit that is difficult kick for ZANU-PF and you feel that they do not have any other game plan with which to retain power,” said Eldred Masunungure, political scientist at the University of Zimbabwe said.
“A dangerous precedent has been set in this country where people get away with conflict and violence. At the end of it all you want to ask yourself whether Mugabe can survive without the use of violence? That is doubtful.”
Source: ZimOnline
Posted by Raymond Mhaka
on August 11, 2010. Filed under Main Headline.
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