(NEWZIMBABWE, 'AGENCIES') Sekeramayi: Army ready for Mozambique fallout
03/11/2013 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter I Agencies
ZIMBABWE has not deployed soldiers in Mozambique but the army is on high alert for any fall-out from the increasingly delicate situation in the country’s eastern neighbour, defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi has said.
“There is not a single Zimbabwean soldier who has been deployed in Mozambique as we speak,” Sekeramayi said last week as he denied reports the army had deployed in Mozambique to support the Maputo government. “In the event that we decide to deploy our troops there, we will inform the nation.”
Tensions have been building between militants of the former Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) rebel group and the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) government since last April, with several attacks and counter attacks reported.
During the Cold War Renamo and Frelimo fought a brutal civil war, which by the time it ended in 1992 had killed around one million people.
On 21 October, Renamo accused the ruling party of having broken their 21-year peace deal after soldiers took over its main base in the country’s central Gorongosa mountains.
Mozambique provides key access to the sea for landlocked Zimbabwe and, in the 1980s, the country was forced to intervene and back the Frelimo regime in a bid to protect its crucial road and rail trade routes.
President Armando Guebuza recently admitted that peace was under threat in Mozambique and any further escalation in hostilities would be of grave concern in Harare.
Sekeramayi said the government was closely monitoring the situation.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Mozambique because we do not want the escalation of hostilities in that country between the government and Renamo,” he said.
“We continue to monitor the situation. We share the same border with Mozambique and we are closely monitoring the situation at our border.
“Our main concern is the security of our railway and pipe lines, so we do not want any instability in Mozambique.”
The Frelimo government has not yet approached the SADC regional grouping for help, Sekeramayi added.
“The (Maputo) government has so far not yet brought their problems to the Sadc forum so that we discuss appropriate action to take. Maybe, they will inform Sadc if hostilities continue to escalate,’’ he said.
Renamo, whose leader Afonso Dhlakama is in hiding, has insisted that it does not want to return to civil war, following the devastation of the previous 16-year conflict.
"We know the consequences of conflict. If we respond with violence we might plunge the country back in war," a spokesman for the group said recently.
"We are open for talks, but demand that the head of state and commander of the armed forces withdraw his troops from our base."
Dhlakama returned to bush last November and started retraining soldiers for a "revolution", without making clear his intentions.
Over the last six months Renamo militants have clashed sporadically with government forces and attacked civilian vehicles on the main north-south highway.
Renamo took up arms against the then-communist government of Frelimo after independence from Portugal in 1975.
The group became the country’s official opposition party after the 1992 peace agreement, but has lost every national election ever since.
Officially Renamo is demanding a bigger role in electoral bodies and its fighters' integration into the government forces.
But more than 20 rounds of talks with Frelimo over the past 10 months have stalled with little progress.
The party is boycotting upcoming local polls on November 20 after refusing to register until electoral reforms are passed.
It failed to table its suggestions in parliament, saying Frelimo's overwhelming majority meant they would probably be voted down.
It has been highly critical of the Frelimo government, which it accuses of politicising the state and stealing the impoverished, yet coal-and-gas rich country's resources.
Labels: MOZAMBIQUE, RENAMO, SYDNEY SEKERAMAYI
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(NEWZIMBABWE) CIA, M16 trained security services: Sekeramayi
24/04/2013 00:00:00
by Staff Reporter
STATE security minister Sydney Sekeramayi has said it was ironic that the West was leading calls for so-called security sector reforms having helped train the country’s defence and security establishment for more than 20 years.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC-T party is insisting that reform of the security sector remains one of the outstanding issues in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement.
The party blames service chiefs for helping President Robert Mugabe stay in power by brutalising its supporters during the inconclusive 2008 elections and wants to force them out of office before new elections due this year.
However, Zanu PF has ruled out any tempering with the defence and security establishment and Sekeramayi said Wednesday that they were surprised the West was backing calls for the so-called reforms.
He said: “The British Military Advisory and Training Team left the country in 2001 after a 20-year stint with our army. They did not complain then, why now?
“In the same vein, the President’s Department held various exchange programmes with other Western intelligence services among them CIA, BND (Germany intelligence) and M16.”
Sekeramayi also said the security services chiefs must remain in office whatever party assumes power after elections expected later this year.
“We will be going for elections in this country and one would want to assume and expect that any government that comes into power will respect the existing institutions in the country,” he said in a lecture at the Zimbabwe Defence College.
“All these officers were very active in the liberation struggle and they are in their current positions not by favour but competence. We would expect that the professional role they play would be respected. We do not expect any leader to say that they do not want so and so.
“The talk about removing the commandant elements is misguided. It is not something originating internally but from external forces. It is something that we must reject. It is an attempt to destabilise the defence and security forces.
“It is an attempt to plant a spirit which removes the discipline that is there among the security forces but we believe that our defence and security forces will continue to be disciplined and professional.”
However, a number of serving generals have already publicly stated that they would not work under a leader who did not participate in the country’s liberation struggle, a thinly veiled reference to Tsvangirai.
Labels: ARMED FORCES, CIA, MI6, SYDNEY SEKERAMAYI
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New president for Zambia
Saturday, 24 September 2011 02:00
MICHAEL Chilufya Sata being sworn in
From Takunda Maodza in LUSAKA, Zambia
MICHAEL Chilufya Sata was yesterday sworn in as the fifth Zambian President at a colourful ceremony attended by thousands of his supporters and foreign dignitaries. He defeated Movement for Multiparty Democracy candidate and then President Rupiah Banda and eight other presidential aspirants in tripartite elections held on Tuesday.
The swearing in ceremony at the High Court of Zambia, was witnessed by foreign dignitaries including Vice President Joice Mujuru who was leading a Zimbabwean delegation comprising State Security Minister Sydney Sekeramayi and Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Didymus Mutasa.
VP Mujuru said in an interview that the coming in of a new leadership in Zambia would not change relations between Zimbabwe and its northern neighbour.
"One thing people must realise is that Zimbabweans and Zambians are one people. If you want to think about how our independence was achieved, we got it through the assistance of Zambia," she said.
"In the region, Zambia is one of us. There is no difference. We came here to fulfill that we are one and we should work as one people."
It was all joy for President Sata and his Patriotic Front supporters who lined the streets in the morning sloganeering and horning their vehicles.
They chanted "Let's Go Sata, Let's Go Sata" while others had banners inscribed "Rupiah Banda for sale".
Some of the supporters carried makeshift coffins bearing the name of Mr Banda signifying an end to his three-year rule.
President Sata took his oath of office in the afternoon before that country's Chief Justice Enerst Sakala.
In his maiden speech, he called for peace and urged all Zambians regardless of political affiliations to join him "in rebuilding the nation".
"We will heal this nation and reconcile all of us. We must not allow violence to separate us. We are brothers and sisters," he said.
President Sata hailed other presidential contenders for giving him "a good fight".
Zambia, he said, was facing huge problems manifested by high unemployment, which he blamed on alleged poor governance by his predecessor.
"Seventy percent of our people live in poverty, a clear testimony of bad governance," President Sata said.
To address the challenges facing Zambia, he promised to reduce the size of Government and to cut on State expenditure.
"We have to restructure things and some of them might take longer," he said.
He promised developmental programmes within 90 days.
"We have to go back to the drawing board and come up with solutions," the veteran politician said.
President Sata promised to deal with corruption.
"This culture should never be entertained at any level," he said, amid whistling and ululation from his supporters.
President Sata pledged to work with existing and new foreign investors in turning around the economy.
He, however, warned investors already operating in Zambia to abide by the law.
The elections were marred by violence though foreign observers including the European Union have endorsed them as held in accordance to international standards.
President Sata thanked his predecessor for allowing a peaceful transition.
The former president was among delegates that witnessed the swearing in ceremony.
Mr Banda conceded defeat and called for unity among Zambians.
"Yes, we may have different ideas but we both want the same thing, a better Zambia. Now is not the time for violence and retribution. Now is the time to unite and build tomorrow's Zambia together. So, I congratulate Michael Sata on his victory. I wish him well in his years as president. I pray his policies will bear fruit."
Mr Banda shook hands with President Sata as he handed over power and the huge crowd went ecstatic.
Zambia's founding President Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Seretse Khama Ian Khama of Botswana and various other senior Government officials from Sadc also graced the occasion.
Labels: 2011 ELECTIONS, DIDYMUS MUTASA, JOICE MUJURU, MICHAEL SATA, PF, SYDNEY SEKERAMAYI
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Zim minister calls for lifting of economic sanctions
By Sututu Katundu
Sun 22 Nov. 2009, 04:00 CAT
ZIMBABWE’S Minister of State for National Security Dr Sidney Sekeramayi has called for the lifting of economic sanctions against his country.
During the official opening of the 25th session of the Zambia/Zimbabwe joint permanent commission on Defence and Security in Lusaka, Dr Sekeramayi said despite the demonstration by Zimbabwe of its sincerity and commitment to the letter and spirit of the Global Political Agreement (GPA), the country still found itself reeling under the illegal sanctions imposed on the country and part of the leadership.
“During the ten months of its existence, the inclusive government has promoted peace and security, economic revival and growth and in the process, enhanced the respect for human rights and democracy,” he said.
Dr Sekeramayi thanked President Rupiah Banda and other Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) leaders for their repeated calls for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe.
And defence minister Dr Kalombo Mwansa called for the strengthening of joint efforts in dealing with cross-border crimes.
“The importance of increased co-operation between our defence and security services need not be over emphasised. Nonetheless, I wish to state that this commission is an invaluable mechanism for addressing issues of mutual concern. In this regard I wish to reaffirm Zambia’s commitment to this commission,” Dr Mwansa said.
He reassured the people of Zimbabwe of Zambia’s continued support during this period when the country is facing some challenges.
“We therefore feel honoured that Zambia, as a vice chairman of the Southern African Development Community organ on politics, defence and security co-operation, was privileged to participate in the recent meeting at which the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) accepted to rejoin the inclusive government,” he said.
Dr Mwansa expressed confidence that the situation in Zimbabwe would continue to improve not only for the benefit of citizens in Zimbabwe but the entire region as a whole.
“You will agree with me that our two countries can only be guaranteed if our defence and security services continue to closely work together in finding lasting solutions to challenges of mutual interest,” he said.
He cited, among other things, the increased tendency by illegal migrants from Africa and other regions to use the two countries’ common border as a transit route.
“Furthermore, incidents of cross-border crime such as smuggling, poaching, cattle-rustling and illicit drug trafficking have continued to be a source of concern. There is therefore need for strengthening joint efforts in dealing with these vices,” said Dr Mwansa.
Labels: SANCTIONS, SYDNEY SEKERAMAYI, ZAMBIA-ZIMBABWE JOINT PERMANENT COMMISSION, ZDERA
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Zambia re-assures Zimbabwe of continued support
Saturday, November 21, 2009, 5:48
Defence minister Kalombo Mwansa has re-assured Zimbabwe and its citizens of Zambia’s continued support during this period when the Southern African country is facing various social- economic challenges.
Dr. Mwansa expressed government’s hope is confident that the prevailing dark period in Zimbabwe will continue to improve not only for the benefit of its citizens but in the entire region.
He said this during the official opening and closing of the 25th session of the Zambia/Zimbabwe joint permanent commission (JPC) on defence and security held in Lusaka today.
Dr. Mwansa said the peace and stability among the two countries can only be guaranteed in the defence and security services which should continue working closely together in finding lasting solutions to challenges of mutual interest.
He pointed out that there is an increased tendency by illegal migrants from the horn of Africa and other regions to use the Zambia/Zimbabwe border as a transit route.
He observed that incidents of cross-border crime such as smuggling, poaching, cattle rustling and illicit drug trafficking have continued to be a source of concern.
Dr. Mwansa further said there is need for strengthened joint efforts in dealing with these vices.
And Zimbabwe’s minister State for National Security Sydney Sekeramayi thanked all the SADC member countries that have continued to render support to his country.
Dr. Sekeramayi especially thanked the Zambian government and its people for its continuous support especially during the liberalization struggle in which many Zambians lost their lives.
He said despite the Zambian economic development being hampered during the liberalization struggle, the mineral rich country has not stopped supporting Zimbabwe to gain its independence.
He added that the 25th session should act as a stepping stone in laying a firm foundation to strengthen defence and bilateral relations between the two countries.
ZANIS
Labels: KALOMBO MWANSA, SYDNEY SEKERAMAYI, ZAMBIA-ZIMBABWE JOINT PERMANENT COMMISSION, ZIMBABWE
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Zanu PF not finished: Sekeramayi
Ralph Mutema
Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:23:00 +0000
STATE Security Minister and Marondera-Wedza Senator Sydney Sekeramayi says those people who fantasized about the demise of Zanu PF were wasting their time and that the party has started emerging from its misfortunes and regrouping to reclaim its glory.
Speaking at victory celebrations for Marondera West Member of the House of Assembly Ambrose Mutinhiri at Mahusekwa Growth Point last weekend, Sekeramayi said people should not underestimate the capacity of Zanu PF to emerge from problems.
He said the party had faced many challenges since its formation, but has always emerged victorious.
"We are a party of strategy. We do not manage our party in public; but we consider our misfortunes and find ways to navigate them."
Sekeramayi also said the MDC party led by Morgan Tsvangirai must call for the removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe so that efforts by the political leadership to improve the livelihoods of ordinary people can bear fruit.
He said it was now time to be frank about the fact that it was the MDC that called for sanctions against Zimbabwe, and therefore that party should call for their removal.
"Sanctions should go and those who called for them must call for their removal. Without beating about the bush, MDC must call for the removal of the illegal sanctions as they have retarded development," he said.
Sekeramayi said those who thought Zanu PF was finished were wasting their time because the party would emerge stronger from its problems.
The party, he said, was working on addressing the problems that led to its bad performance in last year’s harmonised elections.
He said it was the party’s wish that Zimbabweans own the means of production and natural resources so that the profits would be ploughed back into national development.
"The country’s development will never be championed by foreigners but should be a result of our sweat and blood, hence the reason why people like Cde Mutinhiri took up arms to fight the unjust colonial system," he said.
Sekeramayi said the Zanu PF leadership should always strive to work for the people and help improve the lives of those in their communities if they were to retain their trust and respect.
He added that party members should iron out their differences and seek to regain parliamentary seats lost in last year’s elections.
"Let us be a party that understands the problems of our people. Day in and day out, party leaders in the districts, provinces and at national level should work towards improving the lives of our people regardless of party affiliation."
He said Mutinhiri’s history was clear for everyone to see and it was important that younger generations emulate such dedication to national causes.
Mutinhiri is credited with recruiting and training many freedoms fighters among them the late national hero Akin Ndlovu, Retired Zimbabwe National Army Commander General Solomon Mujuru, and Bulawayo Metropolitan Governor and Resident Minister Cain Matema among others, during his stint as Commander of Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army.
Zipra was the military wing of Zapu.
Labels: SYDNEY SEKERAMAYI, ZANU-PF
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Zim govt describes looting soldiers’ acts as deplorable
Written by Kingsley Kaswende in Harare
Thursday, December 04, 2008 4:49:06 AM
THE Zimbabwean government has described the actions by rogue soldiers who attacked civilians and looted shops in downtown Harare as criminal and deplorable.
Groups of unarmed soldiers in military gear attacked suspected illegal foreign currency dealers and innocent bystanders on Monday, seizing their money and mobile phones, and looted shops in the ensuing frenzy after failing to access cash from banks.
Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi said the "unacceptable, deplorable, reprehensible and criminal" actions were being investigated and that those who would be found culpable would be brought to justice.
"During the last five days, Harare witnessed disturbances perpetrated by a few unruly elements from the defence forces. As a result, a number of properties were damaged, innocent people injured, money and property stolen. These actions are unacceptable, deplorable, reprehensible and criminal," Sekeramayi told journalists at a press briefing.
"The Ministry of Defence expresses sincere regret that this has happened and would like to assure Harare residents and the nation at large that the situation is under control. Measures are being taken to ensure that this will not happen again. These incidents are being investigated and those found culpable will be brought to justice."
Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simon Tsatsi said some arrests had been made, but could not confirm the number.
Meanwhile, armed riot police yesterday dispersed crowds that had gathered in the city centre for a protest march organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).
The ZCTU had called for demonstrations against the difficulties by people to access money in the banks, the same reason that caused the soldiers to go on rampage on Monday.
Sekeramayi questioned the coincidence of the two incidents.
"The coincidence of the [soldiers'] actions and the call for a nationwide stay-away and demonstrations raises a lot of questions. While it is the right of citizens to demonstrate, it must be done within the context and confines of the laws of this country," he said.
Sekeramayi said the security forces had already put in place the necessary measures to ensure that peace and tranquility prevailed and that peace-loving citizens were allowed to carry on with their normal activities without fear.
As these incidents were happening, President Mugabe was away in Qatar, attending a meeting of global leaders.
Labels: ARMED FORCES, SYDNEY SEKERAMAYI
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