Zimbabwe’s future

SIR – I commanded the British Military Advisory and Training Team in Zimbabwe between 1989 and 1991.

I became a close friend of Brigadier Constantino Chiwenga, now commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and leader of the so-called non-coup. We spent hours debating the role of the army in a democracy. He often referred to the armies of Nigeria and Ghana, both of which mounted serial coups resulting in military dictatorships. He swore that his army would not follow that route.

So far that seems to be the case in Zimbabwe, and one must hope that the army will return to barracks before long. It will be interesting to see which faction of the ruling Zanu-pf party emerges triumphant post-mugabe. Whichever one it is, huge problems will have to be faced in order to reform that historically rich country. Tim Toyne Sewell

Nether Wallop, Hampshire

SIR – I witnessed first-hand how Britain, having brokered Zimbabwe’s independence, subsequently abrogated its responsibilities and sat back and watched a country rich in promise and hopeful expectations disintegrate into the state it became. In short, we wished to wash our hands of the Rhodesian problem.

I would be interested to know what “crucial role” Senator David Coltart (Comment, November 17) thinks we could play in Zimbabwe’s future that would be acceptable. Michael Wardroper

Sanibel, Florida, United States