The Defence Headquarters has warned that the planned nationwide protest has the potential to degenerate into anarchy and a reign of terror, based on a situational analysis by the military high command.
According to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba: “However, for us in the military, the constitution is clear as to how and when the military gets involved. The constitution also clearly defines the roles and functions of the armed forces. On the other hand, while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protest, they do not have a right to mobilise for anarchy in order to unleash terror.”
Maj.-Gen. Buba noted that the planned protest has been influenced by external factors, citing the situation in Kenya, which has been violent and unresolved.
“The contemporary context of the planned protest is to shadow happenings in Kenya which has so far been violent and unresolved to date. Given the situation, there are already indicators that unscrupulous elements are bent on hijacking the planned protest for violent purposes,” he said.
He highlighted signs of status-related violence, targeting individuals with basic possessions like smartphones and cars, as well as places of worship, businesses, and members of opposing political parties.
“Based on the foregoing, the level of violence envisaged is best described as a state of anarchy. It is for this reason the armed forces will not watch and allow the nation spiral out of control to such low levels,” Maj.-Gen. Buba emphasized.
He urged citizens to note that the timing and atmosphere of hardship in the country made the planned protest different from others in the past, and called for calm heads to prevail to allow the government to address the situation.
“It is time to let cool heads prevail in order for government to further remedy the situation and make our nation flourish again,” he said.