The Necessity of Security Sector Reform in Zimbabwe

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article focuses on the factors that demonstrate the necessity and significance of security sector reform in Zimbabwe. This is important given the security forces’ interference in elections and politics, the militarisation of civilian institutions and grave intra-party factional wars that emerged. It argues that the security sector was partisan, politicised, violent on civilians and divisive with the support of the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front amid the militarisation of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Also, ahead of the 2002 Presidential elections, and the 2008 harmonised elections the securocrats vowed not to accept any presidential aspirant who won elections without liberation war credentials. It is fundamental for all stakeholders to the Zimbabwean conflict to encourage the security forces to uphold the constitution of Zimbabwe in particular the guidelines articulated in the Defence Act and Police Act in order to achieve sustainable peace and development in the country.