adminThe Herald, 16 May, 1981
ALL former guerillas will be disarmed by Tuesday and the Government will announce plans later this year to demobilise some men from the national army, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa, said in Salisbury yesterday.
Weapons were withdrawn from the last armed ZANLA camp, at Middle Sabi, last Friday.
The former guerillas were given four days’ warning and by the time the national army team arrived had stacked their weapons ready for removal.
The disarming exercise began the same day at the ZIPRA Gwai River camp near Wankie, but transport problems have slowed down the exercise despite the co-operation of the troops. Mr Mnangagwa said he expected the exercise to be over on Monday. A few small arms will be kept at both camps for issuing to sentries. The Minister confirmed the camps were the last to be disarmed. The withdrawal of weapons was done under the orders of the Prime Minister, Mr Mugabe, after the fighting in Entumbane in February, said Mr Mnangagwa.
The men will be inducted into the national army sometime this year. It is believed there are between 6 000 and 10 000 former guerillas in the two camps.
The Minister was speaking in an interview during a tour of Herald House yesterday. He announced that the Government was working on plans to demobilise some of the men from the national army which had 21 battalions now and could have about 36 when the integration exercise finished this year.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
After independence in 1980, the demobilisation of the former combatants began. The process involved disarming and reintegrating thousands of guerrilla fighters into civilian life.
The demobilisation of Zimbabwe’s freedom fighters offers valuable lessons on post-conflict reconstruction, reconciliation, and reintegration.
A key lesson from the demobilisation of the freedom fighters is the importance of comprehensive reintegration programmes. These programmes should address not only the economic needs of ex-combatants but also their psychological and social well-being. Providing vocational training, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support can help former fighters successfully transition to civilian life.
Online Reporter