A press conference by Zimbabwean war veterans was disrupted by youths claiming to represent Youth Connect, who were accused of being state agents attempting to impede press freedom. The veterans were poised to address governance issues and protest against corruption and economic decline. The incident showcased rising tensions between the veterans and the government, as they continued to assert their voices despite intimidation tactics.
A press conference held by war veterans at the Bulawayo Media Centre was interrupted by a group of youths claiming affiliation with an organization called Youth Connect. The veterans were discussing governance, planning a march against corruption, and voicing concerns over tribalism and economic decline. They accused the youths of being “hired hands” and “state agents” attempting to stifle their press freedom and expression.
The veterans emphasized that their actions were non-partisan, driven by a commitment to the political and economic freedom they fought for during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. The incident highlighted the growing tensions between certain factions of war veterans and the government, raising concerns over the citizens’ constitutional rights to express dissent.
Key figures attending the press conference included Andreas Ethan Mathibela, a faction leader of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, and Buster Magwizi, spokesperson for the ZPRA Veterans Association. Before proceedings could commence, the veterans were confronted by the youths, who asserted they had reserved the venue for their own meeting, a claim the veterans disputed.
The presence of numerous police officers outside the venue raised suspicions regarding the youths’ intentions. Inside, the veterans questioned the legitimacy of Youth Connect, expressing frustration over being denied the opportunity to address journalists. They sought clarity about the youths’ purpose, as many journalists present were unaware of their meeting.
Magwizi expressed frustration about the suppression of their voices by stating, “We came to the press club to address journalists, thinking democracy is there in Zimbabwe.” Mathibela echoed these sentiments and questioned the legitimacy of the youths’ involvement. The youths insisted on their scheduled meeting, but the veterans and journalists dismissed their claims.
The tension escalated when a youth grabbed Mathibela’s cap, resulting in police intervention. Mathibela articulated the critical need for good governance, condemning the current leadership as corrupt and nepotistic, while voicing the veterans’ aim to achieve freedom for Zimbabwe.
Magwizi highlighted their struggle for peace and justice, lamenting the obstacles they faced in their fight to convey the nation’s plight. He compared the disruption tactics to “Nazi operations,” underscoring the lengths to which some individuals will go to suppress dissent. Despite prior communication with the police regarding their planned march, the veterans encountered intimidation efforts by what they identified as state agents.
Mathibela reiterated their determination to assert their right to demonstrate, warning, “If you want to engage us physically, that’s where we will meet.” The confrontation continued, with youths showing defiance, one stating, “We’re here, there won’t be any demonstration.”
The hostility escalated as some witnesses reported observing youths receiving cash payments during the altercation. Mathibela’s faction publicly supported Blessed Geza, a war veteran expelled from Zanu PF, who criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership.
The growing tension among veterans arises amid increasing factional struggles within Zanu PF, as the race to succeed Mnangagwa gains momentum ahead of the concluding term in 2028.
The incident during the veterans’ press conference illustrates significant tensions between war veterans and the government in Zimbabwe. Accusations of state interference, incitement of chaos, and suppression of dissent reveal ongoing struggles over civil rights and governance. Despite attempts to silence them, the veterans remain resolute in their mission to advocate for political and economic freedoms, highlighting enduring divisions within political factions.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
