Security forces will not withdraw from Chiadzwa diamond fields

By Tichaona Sibanda
10 July 2009

The army and the police will not withdraw from the Chiadzwa diamond fields, but will remain there to maintain ‘law and order’, a state controlled newspaper said on Friday.

The weekly Manica Post in Mutare said the security forces will continue with their presence at the diamond fields, despite recommendations by the Kimberley Process team that visited the country last week to demilitarise the fields.

The officer commanding Manicaland Province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Munorwei Shava Matutu, told journalists at a media briefing that because of the vast nature of the diamond fields, the security forces will continue using various strategies, including roadblocks and patrols, that he said have resulted in the decline of illegal panning and dealing in diamonds in the province. The briefing was also attended by provincial commanders from the army and the CIO.

But all these armed forces are accused of human rights abuses. The Kimberley Process, which works to end the sale of ‘blood diamonds’ had called for the demilitarisation of the fields, where security forces are accused of torture, killings and other abuses against civilians.

Minister of Mines Obert Mpofu and his deputy Murisi Zwizwai reportedly accepted the recommendations, but they said the military would only be withdrawn ‘in stages’ – but even that decision seems to have been over ruled.

The Kimberley Process team visited the country last week on a fact-finding mission, after Human Rights Watch accused the armed forces of using torture and forced labour to control the Marange fields. At least 200 people are known to have died in a military crackdown last year, which saw the army at one time use helicopter gunships to flush out illegal diamond panners.

Sox Chikohwero, a former MDC intelligence chief, told us the military’s insistence to remain at Chiadzwa amounted to a ‘mutiny’ against the unity government.

‘Two government ministers agreed with the Kimberley Process recommendations and promised to withdraw the armed forces in phases. But the pro-ZANU PF military has refused and this can only be described as a mutiny against the government,’ Chikohwero said.

The former ex-combatant and officer in the airforce said those defying government recommendations should be arrested. But he said it is an open secret that ZANU PF has directed the military to issue the statement.

‘ZANU PF used to get funds from Gideon Gono but because that financial route has been blocked by the unity government, their only source of funds was Chiadzwa. It’s clear the diamond fields have sustained ZANU PF as a party and the top military generals,’ Chikohwero said.

‘Lets not be fooled they will let go of the diamonds fields. They will fight for it, the soldiers will fight for ZANU PF to ensure its sustainability as far as money is concerned. You cannot separate the soldiers from ZANU PF,’ added Chikohwero.