RSS 2.0 FeedDecember vol 28, Featured Articles, Guest Writer
Zimbabwe the only way out − pay off the generals
The solution can achieve the objective of holding free and fair election.
JOHANNESBURG - Let us negotiate the generals out Zimbabwe's politics for the common good.
The emergence of a new democracy in Zimbabwe is being hindered by those currently in power and particularly the army as they have vested economic interest they fear of losing. It is quite sad that citizens of the world have decided to accept that only Zimbabweans can resolve their problems and this in itself is prolonging the lack of change because Zimbabweans are not united in their cause nor do they have the means to fund political change. Private business on the other hand is unwittingly affirming the dictatorship in dollars as it pours money into the economy through investments in all sectors. This continues to create a false sense of confidence and therefore arrogance on the part of ZANU (PF) as they economically entrench themselves and believe that things can only get better economically.
Maybe then it is time to be radical. The call for any armed struggle will definitely not help given the SADC politics and the fact that the cold war is over. In addition Zimbabweans by nature are not a violent lot. Elections will not work and an armed struggle is undesirable if not impossible. So what are the options?
In my opinion the only option open to us is to "pay off" the generals and therefore remove them from the political landscape. It does sound rather expedient but by looking at the opportunity costs of prolonged ZANU (PF) rule compared to immediate change, paying off the generals is a cheaper route in the long term. It is a solution that is non violent and can achieve the objective of holding free and fair elections while releasing billions of dollars for the economic revival of the country to the benefit of the majority.
How could this be done? Simple we merely mandate President Jacob Zuma to negotiate an exit package for all the top echelons of the army, police and CIO and without them on their side, ZANU(PF) would crumble in a very short space and time. This would then allow free and fair elections and for sure ZANU(PF) will lose. Times like these require us to seek solutions outside the box and that is definitely what I would consider. Of course the generals would require immunity from their crimes and a safe haven but what price to pay for democracy.
If it were during the cold war days maybe the USA would fund such a move in order to remove a rogue government but those days are surely gone. I have heard many views that as Zimbabweans we are expecting too much from the outside world and maybe we are. But without the option of an armed struggle or a mass uprising, help from the outside world is surely required. Yes a national democratic revolution is imminent in Zimbabwe and paying off the generals could grease the wheels of change and thereby liberate the country much sooner than later.
Let us negotiate the generals out of Zimbabwe's politics for the common good.
Crazy idea-yes, possible yes!
Vince Musewe is an independent Zimbabwean economist based in South Africa. He is founder and chairman of Truth2Power. He is also spearheading the establishment of the Patriotic Movement of Diaspora Zimbabweans (PAMODZI). You can contact him on vtmusewe@gmail.com
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