HARARE – Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC party has called for comprehensive security sector reforms to “depoliticise” Zimbabwe’s army and police and transform them into professional forces that owe allegiance to the nation and not political parties.

The MDC that has a difficult relationship with top commanders of Zimbabwe’s security forces said a new and independent board should be appointed to oversee senior police and army appointments and promotions in order to enhance professionalism in the forces.

''MDC calls on the defence forces to be depoliticised so that they serve the interests of the nation above those of any political party,” Tsvangirai’s party said, in a statement issued at the weekend and as the country prepared to honour its security forces during the Defence Forces holiday tomorrow.

“The MDC believes that the Defence Forces Commission should be overhauled so that a new board with independent and qualified members be appointed in consultation with commanders of the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air force of Zimbabwe.

“In this view, it should be the responsibility of this commission to review and oversee senior appointments and promotions, as well as general working conditions and salaries of all personnel.''

Zimbabwe’s top security commanders have refused to salute or recognise Tsvangirai and for months refused to attend National Security Council (NSC) meetings because the former opposition leader is a member.

And on several occasions Zimbabwe’s top generals have threatened to stage a coup should Tsvangirai takeover over power.

When the MDC leader defeated Mugabe in a first round presidential election in March 2008 the security forces responded by waging a campaign of violence against Tsvangirai’s support base, forcing the former opposition leader to quit the decisive second round presidential ballot.

Mugabe won the ballot uncontested. But his victory was rejected internationally including by African countries who pressured the veteran leader to open power-sharing talks with Tsvangirai and that eventually saw the old foes agreeing to form a government of national unity last February. – ZimOnline.