HARARE, Zimbabwe, June 24 (UPI) -- A leader of the Movement for Democratic Change said the Zimbabwean military has declared war on the party.
Nelson Chamisa, the MDC organizing secretary, responded to a general's statement that the army will ensure President Robert Mugabe remains in power because Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, the head of the MDC, is a "threat to national security," The New York Times reported.
"When they look at our leader Morgan Tsvangirai as a security threat, it means that they're trying to argue that he's a legitimate target for either elimination or to be in harm's way," Chamisa said.
Mugabe, 87, has ruled Zimbabwe since the end of white rule. Brig. Gen. Douglas Nyikayaramba, in an article Thursday in The Herald, a state-run newspaper, was quoted as saying Mugabe will remain in office until he decides to leave or dies.
The general said Tsvangirai "takes instruction from foreigners."
Mugabe agreed, unwillingly, to a power-sharing government after the 2008 election. Tsvangiirai won more votes than Mugabe but dropped out before the runoff because of threats from the military.
Mubage's Zanu-PF party is pushing for quick elections this year because of fears about his health. MDC wants a later election with guarantees of fairness.
