Welfare of Defence forces is everyone’s responsibility - Komichi

Hosia Mviringi

The National Defence Forces are a key constituency in national developmental trajectory, thus their welfare is everyone’s responsibility posits MDC Alliance National Chairman, Senator Morgan Komichi.

In a wide ranging interview with this writer, the recently appointed MDC Alliance shadow Minister of Defence alluded to the fact that every nation is safe and secure only when in the hands of a secure and motivated Defence Forces.

He takes a realistic view that no military commander sleeps well when the interests and welfare of the men and women in uniform are constantly under threat.

In an ideal environment, peace and security begins in the barracks. National stability should thus be an embodiment of the environment inherent in the barracks.

He emphasised how he will use his new portfolio as shadow Defence Minister to champion the interests of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and contribute to the moulding of a defence force that will help position Zimbabwe correctly on the international democratic space.

"A disgruntled defence forces is an affront to development and democracy. You can't engage in any form of dialogue that excludes the interests of the defence forces. The moment they feel threatened or side-lined, they immediately take sides, in most cases for self preservation," he said.

"Zimbabwe needs an ideal defence forces which stands for the interests of Zimbabweans. The welfare of the army must be the interests of everyone including those in opposition because the army serves to protect national interests".

The position of the MDC Alliance as led by Senator Douglas Mwonzora is that it's only with a professional national army that Zimbabwe can successfully dialogue amongst itself and find lasting peace and security internally. He said this would be the tonic for meaningful international engagement and re-engagement.

It is in cognisance of this reality that the MDC Alliance is seeking a departure from politics of yesteryear which involved and evolved around perpetual antagonism against key national institutions.

This marks a refreshing departure from politics of hate, confrontation and disruption that the party had adopted under the ill-fated leadership of Nelson Chamisa.

"A professional Army will shape how the country is perceived by the outside world. It is key in doing away with disputed elections. It will be key to the country's re-engagement thrust as much as it will be to the national dialogue process. It will help shape the country's foreign policy".

According to Senator Mogen Komichi, it is in everyone's interests that the country has an effective, efficient and motivated defence forces which will devote all attention to defending the integrity of the country instead of focusing on welfare and personal security issues.

At some point, leaders in the defence forces had to remind the nation that the leadership of the country was a straight jacket. This came as a result of veiled threats to the Defence Forces by the then opposition leadership who repeatedly called for the prosecution of certain army commanders.

This marks a rare point of convergence for national political leaders on a key national topic.