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Vitalis Kavele Herald Reporter
The illegal sanctions imposed on the country by the West will not deter the Zimbabwe Defence Forces from defending the country’s sovereignty, a senior army official said on Friday. Zimbabwe National Army Chief of Staff (General Staff) Major General Martin Chedondo said this at a function to commemorate the Commando Regiment’s 32nd anniversary and the conferment of commando colours on him.
“The illegal sanctions must not be allowed to cripple the country’s defence forces and the nation at large,” he said.
“The illegal sanctions imposed on us for over a decade have actually motivated and strengthened the defence forces. We have emerged stronger than ever before through innovation and we are very ready to defend our country.”
Maj Gen Chedondo hailed the country’s defence forces for proving to be ‘a reliable, versatile and loyal force’ capable of accomplishing a wide range of missions at a time when the country was reeling from the effects of the illegal sanctions imposed by western countries.
“Despite these challenges every effort is being made to ensure that you are provided with adequate resources to enable you to carry out your tasks proficiently,” he said.
“As commandos we expect you to churn out initiatives to deal with some of these challenges. We must foster a continued commitment to our profession and develop strategies to meet the threat posed by the current world order.”
Maj Gen Chedondo becomes the first two-star general to be conferred with commando colours in recognition of his bravery and distinguished military service during the liberation struggle as well as in the post-independence period.
Some of the commanders who were bestowed with commando colours included the late General Tapfumeneyi Mujuru in the 1980s, General Vitalis Zvinavashe in 2001, ZDF Commander General Constantine Chiwenga, ZNA Commander Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda and the Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal Perrance Shiri.
Online Reporter