United States ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray — loathed by President Robert Mugabe and his party as an agent of imperialism — has expressed deep concerns about reports that the Zimbabwe military could seize power after the death of the octogenarian.
“The army generals are entitled to their own political views, just like everyone else, but once they start dabbling in politics it becomes a recipe for disorder. Their role is to defend a nation and not a political party. If anyone wants to become a politician, the honorable thing to do is to take off their uniform and become a politician.”
Ray was reacting to a report earlier this month in the weekly Independent newspaper that army commander Constantine Chiwenga was likely to succeed Mugabe because infighting between Zanu-PF’s factions had fuelled the party’s instability and could lead to the military’s top brass usurping power.
The Mail & Guardian spoke to the ambassador at the large Bulawayo Club building, seen as the last bastion of the city’s white elite, after he had addressed about 200 youths at the Young Leader’s Forum.
The youths evidently did not share Zanu-PF’s antagonism towards the ambassador; many scurried for quick photo shoots with him and warm handshakes were exchanged.
The 66-year-old Ray, a former major in the US Army, voiced concern over recent media reports that pointed out the military’s deep involvement in the country’s political system, which had led to the stonewalling of democratic reforms.
A recent report by the Crisis Coalition of Zimbabwe, titled “The Military Factor in Zimbabwe’s Political and Electoral Affairs”, highlighted the military’s complex political dealings in Zimbabwe, including its control of key economic resources and parastatals.
Ray pointed out that this involvement further complicated Zimbabwe’s protracted political Âcrisis and made it more Âdifficult to bring to an end.
“I don’t think simply removing an individual — Mugabe — is going to change and solve all the country’s problems. Building a country is not just one man’s job,” he said. “There is a diverse relationship of different sectors — the army, business community and private sector must all be considered too.”
Asked whether he foresaw the possibility of North African-style democracy protests led by youths weary of Zimbabwe’s continued political stalemate, Ray said it “could not be ruled out”.
“The Arab Spring is an indicator to governments of what can happen when they lose contact with their people and ignore the discontent coming from the young. Having been among Zimbabwe’s youth, I have sensed a disconnect with the government.
“The youth here are bright, energetic and have a broad world view. They also share concerns with the youth in North Africa, such as unemployment. There is definitely a risk of some form of discontent should youths continue to be marginalised.”
The United Nations estimates that 90% of Zimbabweans are formally unemployed, with hundreds of thousands crossing into neighbouring Botswana and South Africa in search of jobs.
Ray also commented on the increasingly tough stance on political violence in Zimbabwe that has been taken by the Southern African Development Community.
“SADC is now taking a stand for a credible process rather than against an individual. They have set out the parameters for such a process and now all the parties in Zimbabwe must play by the rules. The election road map that SADC is drawing will ensure that the people’s vote is respected.”
At a troika summit in Livingstone, Zambia, in March, SADC leaders called for an end to violence and Zanu-PF-led crackdowns on members of opposition parties.