Infighting over Makoni paralyses CIO ahead of election

By Lance Guma
13 March 2008

The head of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Happyton Bonyongwe is said to be embroiled in bitter infighting with his deputy Maynard Muzariri, over alleged support for Simba Makoni. A report by the ZimOnline news website says Bonyongwe supports Makoni’s rebellion from Zanu PF, while Muzariri remains loyal to Mugabe. The friction has created a power struggle that has paralysed the CIO, with both chiefs spying on each other instead of carrying out their duties. Its alleged that in January CIO officials based in Harare submitted a report linking Bonyongwe and retired army general Solomon Mujuru to Makoni’s project, but that State Security Minister Didymus Mutasa who received it withheld it from Mugabe.

ZimOnline report that Muzariri’s camp in the CIO then approached Emerson Mnangagwa, who leads a faction opposed to Mujuru in the party, and sought to have the report submitted to Mugabe. Mutasa meanwhile argued the report was biased and ordered a fresh one to be compiled. ‘Mutasa said he wanted neutrals in the CIO to compile a comprehensive report on alleged Bonyongwe links to Makoni’ said the website, quoting a source. But Mugabe got wind of the infighting and summoned Bonyongwe to explain allegations that he edited out vital information from intelligence reports, compiled by his juniors on the activities of the Makoni group.

It’s thought Mugabe will not need to fire Bonyongwe as the CIO’s chief’s contract expires in April and all Mugabe has to do is refuse to renew it. The infighting has however raised expectations amongst opposition activists, who are hoping Zanu PF will not be able to rig the coming elections. The argument being raised is that one of the key security arms they rely on to rig the poll, is now in a state of paralysis because of the infighting. It is also hoped that even if they attempt to rig, there will be sufficient moles in the system to alert the opposition.