support ideologies that we subscribe to, I for one will not be apologetic for supporting ZANU- PF because I was part of the liberation struggle.32 In June 2011, then-Brig. Gen. Douglas Nyikayaramba said of Prime Minister Tsvangirai: Tsvangirai doesn't pose a political threat in any way in Zimbabwe, but is a major security threat. He takes instructions from foreigners who seek to effect illegal regime change in Zimbabwe. This is what has invited the security forces to be involved [in politics] because we want to ensure we protect our national security interests.33 A month earlier, Nyikayaramba had directly expressed support for ZANU-PF in an interview with a weekly independent paper when he said, “Truly speaking, I am in ZANU-PF and ZANUPF is in me and you can’t change that.”34 In October 2010 he had addressed traditional chiefs, soldiers and the police at the 3-3 Infantry Battalion in Mutare, telling them that no person without revolutionary credentials would rule Zimbabwe. He added, “I am where I am today because of the party. Some of us actively participated in the [liberation] struggle and we cannot stand up and say we do not belong to that party. [ZANU-PF]”35 In apparent approval of pro-ZANU-PF conduct by the military rather than calling for an investigation or disciplinary action, Mugabe in January 2012 promoted Nyikayaramba to the post of major general and army chief of staff or quartermaster.36 When the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay visited Zimbabwe in May 2012, she expressed concern, in a press statement, about the military’s overtly political role: 32 “Top army official support ZANU-PF,” Radio Voice of The People, May 9, 2012, http://www.radiovop.com/index.php/national-news/8912-top-army-officer-says-soldiers-support-zanu-pf.html (accessed April 10, 2013). 33 “Generals respond to Tsvangirai,” The Herald, June 23, 2011. 34 “Army demands elections in 2011,” Faith Zaba, The Zimbabwe Independent, May 27, 2011. 35 “Tsvangirai will not rule; army general,” Great Indaba, Wednesday 03 November 2010. “Zim’s face of violence promoted,” Mail and Guardian (South Africa), 6 January 2012, Ray Ndlovu http://mg.co.za/article/2012-01-06-zims-face-of-violence-promoted (accessed November 20, 2012). 36 19 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH │ MAY 2013