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MDC letter to Gen. Chiwenga on violence
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Youth Assembly
April 24, 2008

The Commander
Zimbabwe Defence Forces

For the Personal Attention of General Constantine Chiwenga

Ref: Unlawful Deployment of Units of Zimbabwe Defence

Section 96 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for defense forces for the purpose of defending Zimbabwe.

We note with concern the active and extensive deployment of units of the defense forces in the whole country, particularly the rural areas in the aftermath of the harmonized elections (whose presidential result is still awaited).

There is no internal danger posed to the security of Zimbabwe necessitating the deployment. Such deployment is not in support of civilian authority, but is meant to subvert and subjugate the will of the people.

We are in receipt of detailed reports of incidences of harassment, assault, torture, murder, burning of homesteads perpetrated by units of defence forces or ZANU-Pf militia, commanded, and led by the said units. This inhuman and unmilitary behaviour is punishment for the people having exercised their democratic right to vote for the candidate of their choice as President - Morgan Tsvangirai.

During the orgy of violence people are brazenly told they should vote for Robert Mugabe in the presidential run-off (although results are not yet announced).

The conduct of the defence forces against their own innocent fathers and mothers is a callous and contemptuous disregard for their democratic right to choose a leader of their choice and a clear breach of your constitutional office. As Commander, Zimbabwe Defence Forces, you are personally and constitutionally liable for the mayhem occasioned by the unlawful deployment.

Normal civilian life has seriously been disrupted. Zimbabwe faces a humanitarian crisis on account of your serious constitutional breaches. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces has become terror units, not defenders of Zimbabwe.

We demand that you immediately rescind the unlawful deployment with the consequent result that all units of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces return to barracks.

Yours Faithfully,

Hon Tendai Biti MP,
MDC Secretary General

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