Guerrilla Veterans in Post-War Zimbabwe: Symbolic and Violent Politics, 1980-1987

This critical examination of post-war of independence peace settlement and veterans' programs is the first extended study of the complicit relationship between the ruling party and the veterans. It shows continuities in the relationship between President Mugabe's government and guerrilla veterans in the first seven years in contemporary Zimbabwe (1980-1987). As the recent election has demonstrated, Mugabe and the veterans continue to collaborate, using violence and liberation war rhetoric to maintain power through land invasions and political purges.

"...an outstanding book..." Zibani Maundeni, University of Bostwana, Mobilization"Kriger's in-depth analysis breaks new ground in research on postconflict solutions for divided societies as well as Zimbabwe's unique postindependence era, which seems unduly affected by internal influences developed during the nationalist struggle. The footnotes and bibliography are exceptionally useful. Highly recommended." Choice"[Kriger's] examination of the construction of a new political order in Zimbabwe is fresh and provides a challenging way for social scientists to view peace-building and post-conflict societies." Journal of Military History

This book examines the peace settlement and veterans’programs after Zimbabwe’s guerrilla war of independence. It shows continuities in the relationship between the ruling party and veterans in the first seven years and in contemporary Zimbabwe. As in the past, today the ruling party and the veterans collaborate to build power, using violence and liberation war appeals. It is the first extended study of the relationship between the ruling party and the veterans.

Examines the peace settlement and veterans’programs after Zimbabwe’s guerrilla war of independence. It shows continuities in the relationship between the ruling party and veterans in the first seven years and in contemporary Zimbabwe. This is the first extended study of the relationship between the ruling party and the veterans.

This book examines he peace settlement and veterans' programs after Zimbabwe's guerrila war of independence. It shows continuities in the relationship between the ruling party and veterans in the first seven years and in contemporary Zimbabwe. As in the past, today the ruling part and the veterans collaborate to build power, using violence and liberation war appeals. It is the first extended study of the relationship between the ruling party and the veterans.

Examines the peace settlement and veterans’programmes after Zimbabwe’s guerrilla war of independence.

List of tables; Acknowledgements; Chronology (1889 — 1980); List of abbreviations; Map; 1. Introduction; 2. The peace settlement; 3. The assembly phase; 4. Military integration; 5. Employment programs for the demobilized; 6. Conclusion; Epilogue: the past in the present; Appendix: the ruling party's attempts to withdraw ex-combatants' special status and ex-combatants' responses, 1988 — 1997; Notes; References; List of pseudonyms used in the text; Index.