Mnangagwa consolidates power, “reshuffles” military and intelligence leadership

HARARE – In an effort to allegedly consolidate his grip on power, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reportedly initiated a series of key appointments within the military and state security services, according to sources within the government.

According to sources who spoke to prominent award-winning investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, retired Brigadier-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi is set to become the Chief of Staff of the Army, with a promotion to Major-General.

Tapfumaneyi, who previously served as Deputy Director-General (Operations) of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), is reported to have a strained relationship with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

His involvement in establishing the Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) trust, a pro-Mnangagwa entity active during the 2023 elections, has also been noted.

FAZ’s activities reportedly included voter mobilisation and presence at polling stations. Tapfumaneyi is seen as a potential successor to the recently appointed Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Matatu.

In the CIO, Chin’ono has reported that Paul Chikawa has been appointed as the new Deputy-Director of the external branch.

Benadate Mandongwe, a veteran intelligence officer, will assume the role of Deputy-Director of Administration. Patrick Mutasa, the former Deputy-Director of Administration, has been reassigned as ambassador to Cuba.

Gatsha Mazithulela, former CIO Deputy-Director, has been reassigned to the position of Director of Narcotics in the Office of the President.

The changes follow the recent appointment of Fulton Mangwanya as the new CIO Director-General, replacing Isaac Moyo.

Chin’ono further stated that Cephas Hodzi has also been appointed as the new Deputy-Director of Operations, filling the position previously held by Tapfumaneyi.

The appointments are being viewed by some as a consolidation of Mnangagwa’s control over key security apparatus.

This comes at a time when Mnangagwa and his deputy Chiwenga are locked in a bitter succession dispute. The President is allegedly planning to amend the constitution to allow him to extend his term of office beyond the constitutionally mandated two term limit.

Chiwenga, who is viewed as the frontrunner in the race to replace Mnangagwa is opposed to this plan. The rift between the two Zanu-PF leaders has culminated into massive factionalism within Zanu-PF.