Zimbabwe Defense Policy in Line With Empowerment

Republic of Zimbabwe Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi with his Iranian counterpart Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi and Defense Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare on July 4, 2013., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Defence policy in line with empowerment - Mnangagwa

Friday, 12 July 2013 00:00
Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE’s defence policy is in line with the country’s indigenisation and empowerment policy that seeks to empower the black majority through active participation in the economic activities of the country, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

He said in light of the threat facing the country from Western countries, the defence policy had to incorporate both security and commercial objectives.

Minister Mnangagwa said this on Wednesday in a speech read on his behalf by deputy secretary in the ministry, Mr Patrick Machaya, during an address to visiting Botswana Defence Forces Command and Staff College students on Zimbabwe’s defence policy.

“Similarly, Zimbabwe’s defence policy resonates with the country’s Look East policy which has enabled the country to establish cordial relations with many friendly countries in the East.

“The resilience of Zimbabwe and its ability to adapt and innovate is apparent to all and sundry, and hence there is now a move by Western capitals towards re-engagement,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s major threat to its peaceful existence, he said, was the Western-sponsored regime change agenda opposed to the country’s successful land reform programme.

“The objective of the regime change agenda, orchestrated by the West, led by the UK and US, is economic destabilisation through psychological warfare, intrusive political interference, diplomatic isolation and socio-cultural intrusion,” he said.

Zimbabwe, said Minister Mnangagwa, subscribed to treaties, conventions and actions at arms control.

“In this regard, as a party to the Treaty of Pelindaba and the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, it supports the principle of a nuclear free African continent.

“Zimbabwe does not aspire to develop any weapons of mass destruction,” he said.
Minister Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe upholds principles and norms of peace, stability and tranquility as enshrined in the UN and African Union charters.

“The country’s defence policy has, therefore, always adhered to the strictest confines of the legal principles, precepts and normative rules of our domestic legislation and international law,” he said.