War veterans in Zimbabwe are planning to stage a “million-man” march through the streets of the capital, Harare, in support of President Robert Mugabe, state radio said early on Sunday.

Veterans of the 1970s war against white minority rule are among the 83-year old Mugabe’s most loyal supporters.

They have been holding countrywide marches to show solidarity with Mugabe’s decision to stand in presidential elections due next year, despite Zimbabwe’s worsening economic crisis.

Dozens of war veterans staged the most recent march, which was held in the south-western town of Gwanda, state radio said.

The radio gave very few details on the planned march.

“Any party member who does not support the revolution will be considered a sell-out,” National War Veterans’ Association chairperson Jabulani Sibanda was quoted as saying.

Sibanda did not say when the march would take place. Zimbabwe’s entire population numbers less than 12-million.

There is speculation that Mugabe could face surprise opposition to his candidacy at a congress of his ruling Zanu-PF party later this year. — Mail & Guardian

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