6 posts tagged “war”
Of
the numerous military intervention strategies that exist for the ethical and
morally justifiable removal of the junta in Zimbabwe, only two options are
tactically feasible, politically correct and need no further public interrogation.
The
first option would involve the use of a private army. It offers plausible
deniability to any supportive government in the event of collateral damage and
civilians casualties. This option also allows for countries with post-colonial
guilt to render indirect lethal and non-lethal assistance from a distance.
This urgent intervention is a
moral imperative and will confound all cynics who subscribe to the notion that
Western countries only intervene when their economic interests are threatened.
The
second option is a direct military intervention in Zimbabwe to restore democracy and save innocent lives under
the auspices of the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union
(EU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Commonwealth.
Operation
Restore Democracy should be broken into four critical phases: planning and
posturing, attack, mission completion and post-hostilities.
The
period from the first phase to the final phase for both options is sixty days.
The
Organisation of African Unity (OAU) adopted the Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government through
the 36th ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of
the OAU, held in Lomé, from 10 to 12 July
2000.
This in tandem with the relevant principles of the Constitutive Act of the
African Union legally compels the AU to intervene militarily in Zimbabwe. The mandate is to remove
an unlawful, criminal junta that
overthrew an elected president on March 29, 2008 through a brutal low intensity conflict and an unconstitutional
coup de tat.
Only African Union member
states whose leaders and governments are themselves in elected office should
participate in this operation, "the coalition of the willing and able."
Zimbabwe, by its very geography presents a challenge for any
military strategist. It is landlocked and surrounded by some neighbouring
sovereign states that are sympathetic to the despotic ruler in Zimbabwe. The ability of the intervention force to over fly
these territories in support of the ground troops requires diplomacy, secrecy
and African unity. Diplomatic clearances, international support and
intelligence capabilities are essential for the success of the mission at hand.
Without divulging intimate
details of this robust intervention strategy, current war gaming reveals that the
main invasion force, the foot soldiers, should be made up of infantry battalions from Africa in
order to mitigate local animosity. With Zimbabwe broken up into five theaters of operations, each
African contingent will be responsible for the command and control of its
troops. A coalition headquarters manned by officers from participating
countries coordinates operations under a central command, thus avoiding friendly
fire and other combat communication mishaps during the fog of war.
Establishing a no-fly zone
that covers Zimbabwean airspace is the first action to be undertaken before the
posturing of the intervention force thus establishing air superiority.
Protection of national
assets such as power stations, dams, etc., against destruction from the regime
militia's scorched policy, should be prioritised .
On the other hand, the
Zimbabwe Defence Forces are well trained and battle hardened in comparison to
some of their African counterparts.
However, their equipment is functionally obsolete and if their last
battles in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC), Operation Sovereign Legitimacy
(OSLEG) are anything to go by, only the Special Forces units i.e. Parachute Regiment, Commando Battalion,
Special Air Service (SAS), could present meaningful resistance.
The threat to the civilian
population and to the intervention force from the military elite, sycophantic
rogue officers and men of the ZDF will have to be suppressed through psychological
operations. Pre-emptive targeted bombings prior to the commencement of the main
attack will effectively degrade the junta's fighting capabilities. The junta
leadership should also be neutralised during this phase. The will of the
professional Zimbabwean soldier to fight and certainly die in defence of a despotic
tyrant is questionable.
Special Operation Forces
(SOF) units shall be deployed for direct action missions for eliminating youth
militia and auxiliaries who pose a grave threat to civilians. The coalition
shall not use cluster munitions, anti-personnel mines or dumb bombs in Zimbabwe.
A robust post hostilities stabilization force under a comprehensive military operation other than war (MOOTW) plan, comprising of officers and men with peacekeeping experience and training, are deployed as soon as major combat is over. The United Nations then assumes sovereign authority during the transitional phase as elections are conducted.
Robert Mugabe threatened during an election speech in Masvingo,Zimbabwe, to send war veterans back to the bush to wage war against the MDC if it wins the elections.
“We resolved to send our comrades, led by brave men like Cde Zvinavashe who is here, to fight the whites who had taken our land and we will send them back again should Tsvangirai win the elections.’ So we will not hesitate to fight again, than letting the country be ruled by puppets,” he said.
This blatant saber rattling, habitually divisive incendiary political speech, devours any latitude of a peaceful transition after the elections. Imminent civil strife is upon us unless we take pre-emptive corrective countermeasures.
"Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword." (Matthew 26:52-53)
May I prevail upon ordinary Zimbabweans to now stand ready to sacrifice and defend our democracy in a battle that will prevent the continued unnecessary suffering should Mugabe and his generals declare war.
Ecclesiastes 3:8 declares, “there is a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
For years we have endured economic mismanagement, the deterioration of health services, hyperinflation, unemployment, incessant shortages of basic commodities, gross violations of our God-given rights and freedoms. It has thus become necessary in the evolution of our independence to eliminate the undesirables.
“We must not cause greater evil than the evil to be eliminated.” Bring it on Robert Mugabe, you’re not the franchise holder for guerilla warfare.
We pray to the Almighty and seek a “mandate from heaven” as we embark on this historic inevitability, facing insurmountable odds, against a seemingly formidable, blatantly arrogant, and ruthless regime.
Divine intervention, our valor, discipline and methodical strategic planning, shall ensure that this war is not defined by innumerable casualties or the wanton destruction of property. Terrorism has no place in our war for “terrorism is not war but a mere undesirable tactic of war.”
We have sufficient numbers that understand our goals and the mission on hand. Our bedrock principle is the rule of law. We yearn for, and seek the dedication, social and political support of all peace loving Zimbabweans as we dismantle this tyrannical Frankenstein and its instruments of terror.
The most important undertaking during a time of war is to pray for Godly wisdom for the brave leaders, the safety of the combatants, quick resolution of hostilities, and minimum casualties on both sides of the conflict.
Mark13:7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”.
We have reluctantly opted to bear arms in order to preserve the future of our land. Let us all pray for a short quick and decisive war.
Asesabi Lutho – Chatinotya Hapana - We fear nothing
Phil Matibe
The United Nations Secretary General
H.E. Ban-ki Moon
United Nations Headquarters
First Avenue at 46th Street
New York, NY 10017
21 April, 2008
RE: Grid
Coordinates for a Pre-emptive Military Surgical Strike to Stop Genocide
Your
Excellency,
The
defenseless civilian population of Zimbabwe hereby begs for your intervention to avert an
impending genocide perpetrated by Robert Mugabe and his cronies. Under
international law you're compelled to take out the threat to civilians before the
threat is capable of the genocide. There is credible evidence that Robert
Mugabe and his illegal military junta are planning to attack unarmed citizens
of Zimbabwe who voted him out of office.
"Preemptive
strike is defined as the use of force against an adversary so as to prevent an
attack, it would otherwise be disastrous to wait for the adversary to take the
first step. Preemption is a strategy to protect civilians if there is an
'imminent threat' to their security. Mobilization of the adversary's army, navy
and air force and the prepositioning of heavily armed forces against unarmed
innocent civilians is an imminent threat, for which, preemptive force is
permissible as an act of self defence."
Though Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits the "threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State," Article 51 says, "nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. Measures taken by Members in exercise of this right of self defence shall be immediately reported to the Security Council."
There
should be an armed attack prior to the preemptive strike for Article 51 to be
applied. Robert Mugabe has already attacked unarmed civilians in Zimbabwe and we are appealing for the civilian populace's right
to self defence.
Please find below the grid coordinates for the private homesteads of Robert Mugabe. A well planned preemptive surgical strike on these legitimate military targets will eliminate the command and control elements of the Zimbabwean Joint Military Command, thus avert imminent genocide. The military junta in Zimbabwe poses a clear and present danger to regional stability and which ultimately creates a humanitarian crisis.
Borrowdale Private Residence
17˚43΄13. 02″ S
31˚09΄02. 34″ E
Elevation 4771ft
Kutama Rural Residence
17˚48΄17. 00″ S
30˚22΄49. 05″ E
Elevation 4468ft
Chibhoyi Farm, Norton Residence
17˚50΄54. 35″ S
30˚38΄28. 88″ E
Elevation 4347ft
Precision
Guided Munitions (PGM's) and remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) technology opens
the possibility of
discrimination and military proportionality. The precision guided munitions will reduce
collateral damage and capable Zimbabwean laser designators will illuminate the
targets on the ground for United Nations aircraft.
The people of Zimbabwe pray for your urgent intervention and await the rapid deployment of the United Nations force to rescue us from the jaws of tyranny.
Kind regards
Phil
Matibe
Zimbabwean Citizen
Cc.
AU Chairman – Mr. John Kufuor. President of Ghana
Cc.
SADC Chairman – Mr. Levy Mwanawasa, President of Zambia
Cc.
EU Foreign Policy Chief - Mr. Javier Solana
Cc,
CHAIRMAN JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF -
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
Cc. NATO SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER EUROPE -
General John Craddock
Cc.
US AFRICOM Commander - General William E. Ward
Cc.
UK Chief of the Defence Staff - Air Marshall Sir Graham
E. Stirrup
Cc.
AU Chief of the Defence of the Force - Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston
Cc.
FR Chief of Staff - Général d'armée Jean-Louis Georgelin,
Cc.
US CENTCOM Commander (Acting) - Lieutenant General Martin
E. Dempsey
The President
of the Republic of Namibia
H.E. President Hifikepunye
POHAMBA,
State House
Windhoek
Namibia.
22
April, 2008.
His Excellency,
RE:
Protest to the Refueling and Unloading of the An Yue Jiang
Pursuant to my
earlier telephonic conversation of this afternoon with the Executive Director
to the President, Ambassador Kamati, I am writing to express my disgust and condemnation
of the scheduled refueling and the subsequent unloading of the Chinese vessel,
the An Yue Jiang, at Walvis Bay.
This lethal cargo comprising of weapons of war destined for Zimbabwe
is the catalyst for genocide.
These weapons will
enable the Zimbabwe Republic Police Riot Squad, Youth Militia, and rogue Army
elements to project disproportionate force, indiscriminately inflict horrific
injuries and cause the unfortunate deaths of a multitude of innocent unarmed
Zimbabwean civilians who include my family and friends.
The Presidential
election results in Zimbabwe
are still to be announced; basic commodities are in short supply and lawful and
peaceful demonstrations by Zimbabwe’s
civic society are being brutally suppressed by regime military officers.
It is repugnant that
the Government of Namibia would consider aiding and abetting tyranny in Zimbabwe
and become a willing accomplice in the gross violations of human rights.
Equally culpable shall be the members of your government and SWAPO who are
waiting for a request from NamPort and other authorities before advising your
esteemed office to permit this vessel of genocide to enter Namibian territorial
waters to refuel and offload this cargo.
Namibia
and its government risk being caught on the wrong side of humanity. Should this
cargo find its way to Zimbabwe
with your acquiescence, we the citizens of Zimbabwe
shall hold the Government of Namibia liable for any breaches and abuses of
humanitarian law that shall emanate from the use of these weapons by ZANU (PF)
in Zimbabwe.
I humbly urge you to
cease this abhorrent bilateral nexus and instead render support to those
seeking democracy, justice, and peace. Zimbabweans prevail upon you to do the
right thing and turn this ship away.
Kind regards,
Phil Matibe
Zimbabwean Citizen in Exile
Appeal to Fellow Zimbabweans and World Citizens,
Re: Stop Weapons of War shipment to Zimbabwe
“Evil prevails when good men do nothing.”
Our
country’s future is being threatened by a handful of individuals who have
subverted justice and ignored the will of the majority.
Instead
of importing grain for the starving masses the military junta has chosen
instead to import form the People’s Republic of China, weapons of war. Zimbabwe is not at war nor has she been threatened by any
state actors or its neighbours.
It
is grossly irresponsible and highly immoral for China to ship weapons of war to Zimbabwe at a time when an unstable political atmosphere
exists in Zimbabwe. The Presidential election results have yet to be
announced and gross human rights violations perpetrated by members of ZANU
(PF), its militia, and rogue elements of the armed forces, are now prevalent.
If
we sit and do nothing or hope for someone else to do something, Zimbabwe shall disintegrate into chaos and anarchy shall
prevail. Persons that have plundered our
economy, pillaged our national coffers, and molested our national pride, now
hold the country at ransom and will do what ever it takes to hold onto power.
Please
take a few minutes of your time, append your name or signature to the attached letters below,
then fax or email to the respective embassy. Do your part no matter how minuscule it may appear, let your voice be heard.
We want one man one ballot and not one man one bullet.
Phil Matibe
