HARARE – Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has promised to depoliticise as well as award US dollar wages to the country’s armed forces if elected to form the next government Wednesday next week.
In a statement to mark the 43 anniversary of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day, party spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere took time to celebrate the achievements of the country’s armed forces but said their standing has been tainted by their involvement in partisan politics.
“We note with particular sadness the attempt to poison and politicise the Defence Forces for partisan purposes and repression,” Mahere said.
“On this day of commemoration, we call on the Defence Forces to remember their constitutional mandate to the people of Zimbabwe.
“We ask that they act in a manner that serves the interests of all Zimbabweans by fully complying with their constitutional obligation to respect the lives and dignity of the people in the execution of their duties.”
Comments by the opposition come after the Zimbabwean military has been dragged into campaigns for the ruling Zanu PF party.
The country’s military has also declared in the past it shall not recognise any presidential election winner who has no history of participation in the country’s liberation war.
Security forces have also been accused of visiting forms of brutality against innocent citizens for political reasons.
Added Mahere, “In line with the constitution, we demand the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms by the defence forces.
“Our security services must protect not threaten citizens.
“The democratic expression of citizens must be safeguarded. We reiterate our call for a defence forces for everyone.
“Under the incoming Citizen Government, weapons and arms of war will never be deployed to support a political party’s partisan interests or impede the citizens’ right to demonstrate peacefully.
“Instead, our Defence Forces will support collective national interests taking due cognisance of the fundamental rights and diversity of the citizenry.
“The professional standing of the Defence Forces will not be interfered with. The Defence Forces will be given space to serve the people as prescribed by the law.”
CCC also promised to improve working conditions of the country’s servicemen, including paying them US dollar salaries.
“We will improve the conditions of service of rank and file soldiers.
“They deserve to earn a living USD wage and conditions of service befitting of the important constitutional role they are mandated to play in our society,” Mahere said.
