A UK investigative report claims that Zimbabwe’s CIO contemplated eliminating opposition leader Nelson Chamisa in 2020, disguising the act as a Covid-19 related incident. The report highlights tensions within the CIO under the leadership of Isaac Moyo, who resisted such violent plots, ultimately leading to his dismissal. The political environment remains hostile for opposition leaders like Chamisa ahead of the 2023 elections.
An investigative report from the UK-based unit, Dug Up, has alleged that Zimbabwe’s Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) planned to assassinate opposition leader Nelson Chamisa in 2020 and then attribute the act to Covid-19. Chamisa was seen as the primary contender against President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 elections, prompting concerns within the CIO regarding his political influence.
The article reveals that former CIO director general Isaac Moyo was regarded as too amicable to serve effectively in his role. Reports suggested that his reluctance to engage in violent tactics against political opponents, including a reported refusal to authorize using the pandemic to mask such actions, led to questions about his suitability as leader.
Moyo’s leadership style, characterized by more diplomatic approaches, reportedly clashed with the aggressive strategies preferred by fellow operatives. He was criticized in internal meetings, where senior officials advised Mnangagwa that Moyo’s demeanor could jeopardize his presidency. The tensions surrounding Moyo’s leadership culminated in his eventual replacement in 2022.
Despite Moyo’s attempts to reform operations within the CIO, including measures aimed at accountability and limiting excessive force, many operatives resisted these changes. He faced immense pressure regarding his leadership, ultimately leading to his replacement by Fulton Mangwanya earlier this year. The report emphasizes the ongoing peril faced by Chamisa and other opposition figures leading up to the elections, indicating a troubling climate for political dissent in Zimbabwe.
The allegations made by Dug Up suggest significant issues within the Zimbabwean CIO, including a willingness to resort to violence against opposition leaders to maintain power. Isaac Moyo’s struggles as CEO, marked by his diplomatic efforts and subsequent ousting, highlight an internal conflict regarding tactics within the agency. As the political landscape approaches the upcoming elections, the safety of figures like Chamisa remains precarious, reflecting broader concerns about political repression in Zimbabwe.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
