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Unraveling the Intricate Relationship between The Army and Politics in Zimbabwe

Leo Mitchell

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Published in The Army And Politics In Zimbabwe: Mujuru The Liberation Fighter And Kingmaker

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Zimbabwe, a nation steeped in both colonial and post-colonial history, has witnessed a profound interplay between the military and politics. This intricate relationship has shaped the country's trajectory, leaving an enduring mark on its political landscape, power dynamics, and national identity.

The Army and Politics in Zimbabwe: Mujuru, the Liberation Fighter and Kingmaker

by Blessing-Miles Tendi

5 out of 5

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Historical Roots: The Colonial Legacy

The genesis of the Zimbabwean military can be traced back to the colonial era, when the British South Africa Company established a police force in 1890. This force, initially tasked with maintaining Free Download and suppressing local resistance, later evolved into the Rhodesian Army in 1923.

The Rhodesian Army played a pivotal role in the country's Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) in 1965, which marked the beginning of a bitter civil war against African nationalist movements. The military's involvement in the conflict solidified its position as a key player in Zimbabwean politics.

Post-Independence Era: The Rise of ZANU-PF

Following Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) was formed by integrating the former Rhodesian Army and guerrilla forces led by Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF).

Mugabe, the country's first president, recognized the importance of military support for his regime. He appointed loyalists to key positions within the ZNA and used patronage to ensure their allegiance. The military, in turn, became a pillar of his authoritarian rule.

The Army's Political Influence

The ZNA has played a significant role in Zimbabwean politics, extending beyond its traditional security mandate. It has been involved in:

Election Interference: Allegations of military involvement in election rigging and intimidation have cast a shadow over Zimbabwe's democratic processes.
Suppression of Dissent: The army has been deployed to quell protests and crack down on political opposition, raising concerns about human rights violations.
Control of State Institutions: Senior military figures have been appointed to key positions in government and parastatal organizations, giving the military a broader influence in decision-making.

Power Struggles and Military Intervention

The relationship between the army and politics has been marked by power struggles and military intervention. In 2017, the ZNA played a decisive role in the ousting of President Mugabe, ending his 37-year reign.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mugabe's former deputy, succeeded him as president with the support of the military. This intervention demonstrated the army's continued ability to influence political outcomes in Zimbabwe.

Implications for Zimbabwe's Future

The ongoing influence of the military in Zimbabwe's politics raises questions about the country's democratic trajectory and the future of civil-military relations. Some analysts argue that the military's involvement in politics undermines civilian authority and perpetuates a culture of impunity.

Others argue that the military remains a necessary guarantor of stability in a volatile political environment. They maintain that its presence prevents political chaos and ensures the continuation of essential state functions.

The relationship between the army and politics in Zimbabwe has been a complex and enduring one. From its colonial origins to its present-day influence, the military has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's political landscape.

The army's involvement in politics has had both positive and negative consequences. While it has contributed to stability at times, it has also been associated with allegations of human rights violations, election interference, and the suppression of dissent.

As Zimbabwe navigates its future, it remains to be seen how the military's relationship with politics will evolve. Whether the army will continue to exert its influence or gradually withdraw from the political sphere is a question that will likely shape the country's democratic trajectory for years to come.

The Army and Politics in Zimbabwe: Mujuru, the Liberation Fighter and Kingmaker

by Blessing-Miles Tendi

5 out of 5