General Sibanda likely headed into politics as Mnangagwa reshapes military command

HARARE – The retirement of Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda and a fresh round of senior military appointments signal significant political manoeuvring by President Emmerson Mnangagwa ahead of future succession battles, analysts have stated. Matatu, 72, has had a rapid rise this year, having been appointed army commander in March after the removal of Anselem Sanyatwe from the post. In an analysis shared on Wednesday, prominent journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said he believes Sibanda is now likely to enter Zanu-PF politics.

He argued that Sibanda could be appointed to replace Vice President Kembo Mohadi, whose retirement he said appears “imminent.” According to Chin’ono, Sibanda did not previously join the Zanu-PF politburo because the Constitution barred serving security chiefs from holding political office, and because his United Nations pension restricted political participation. With his retirement effective November 23, Chin’ono says Sibanda now has “a clean exit” and is well-positioned to assume a political role. He further suggested that Sibanda could become the next Vice President representing the former ZAPU side of the 1987 Unity Accord, noting his ZIPRA background during the liberation struggle.

“I now see him going directly into politics, and being appointed as the replacement for Vice President Kembo Mohadi whose retirement is now imminent,” Chin’ono stated. Sanyatwe pins hopes on Zimbabwe Warriors U-17’s ahead…Sep 2, 202524,660 Sanyatwe pins hopes on Zimbabwe Warriors U-17’s ahead… Tagwirei-Sanyatwe pulpit incident prompts legal ultimatum to…Jun 25, 202548,924 Tagwirei-Sanyatwe pulpit incident prompts legal ultimatum to… Mnangagwa appoints official accused of subverting elections…May 30, 202532,144