Chaos Erupts at War Veterans Press Conference Amid Allegations of State Interference

A press conference by war veterans in Bulawayo was disrupted by youths from Youth Connect, leading to tensions and accusations of state interference. The veterans aimed to speak on governance issues, including a planned march against corruption. The incident reflects escalating tensions between veterans and the government and highlights issues around press freedom and citizen rights.

On Monday, a press conference held by war veterans at the Bulawayo Media Centre was disrupted by youths claiming to represent an organization named Youth Connect. The veterans were there to discuss governance issues in Zimbabwe and announce an upcoming march against corruption, tribalism, and economic decline, fearing the youths were hired to curb their freedom of expression and press rights.

The war veterans emphasized that their movements are not politically motivated but are rooted in the desire for political and economic freedom in Zimbabwe, which they fought for during the liberation struggle. The tense situation highlights the rising friction between certain veteran groups and the government, revealing the challenges citizens face when exercising their constitutional rights.

The press conference featured leaders Andreas Ethan Mathibela from the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association and Buster Magwizi, spokesperson for the ZPRA Veterans Association. Before they could speak, the veterans were confronted by the youths who claimed to have booked the venue, igniting suspicions regarding their intentions, especially in light of the heavy police presence outside.

Inside the venue, the veterans cast doubt on Youth Connect’s legitimacy, alleging they were state agents seeking to disrupt their meeting. Magwizi expressed frustration, questioning, “We came to the press club to address journalists, thinking democracy is there in Zimbabwe, and people are allowed to speak. But if the law enforcers say stop, they should tell us the reason.”

Mathibela reinforced these sentiments, demanding clarity from the youths, stating, “We didn’t invite Youth Connect. Are you serious that you are from Youth Connect?” The youths maintained they had a legitimate meeting, a claim disputed by the veterans and the journalists present.

As tensions escalated, Magwizi chastised the youths for being agents of state security and disruptors of their mission: “We went to war, shed our blood for this country, for you guys to be here today,” he declared.

Mathibela warned the youths about their actions, indicating potential consequences while expressing the veterans’ rights to protest peacefully. Outside, a confrontation escalated further when a youth grabbed Mathibela’s cap, leading to police intervention and the individual’s apprehension.

Mathibela condemned the current leadership as corrupt, asserting that their struggle remains for political and economic freedom, while Magwizi lamented their stifled voice, stating, “We fought for peace, justice, and truth, but we are denied the space to speak.”

Both veterans accused the government of employing covert methods to silence dissent, with Magwizi likening the disruption to “Nazi operations.” Despite having notified the police about their impending march, Mathibela expressed concerns over harassment initiated by state agents.

The confrontation continued with defiance from the youths, culminating in the veterans’ determination to proceed with their plans. Mathibela asserted, “We will overwhelm them,” emphasizing that their historical struggle had not been in vain. Observations indicated that some youths received monetary compensation amid the fray, raising questions about their motives.

Support for Blessed Geza, a war veteran exiled after criticizing President Emmerson Mnangagwa, continues to grow among the veterans, juxtaposed with the increasing factionalism within Zanu PF as succession politics heat up ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.

The disruption of the war veterans’ press conference underscores escalating tensions between this community and the government in Zimbabwe. This incident reflects a broader struggle for press freedom and the right to express dissent against a backdrop of political intimidation. As veterans voice their desire for genuine liberation and adherence to their constitutional rights, the situation offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of current Zimbabwean governance and civil rights challenges.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com