Chiwenga's military uniform sparks speculation

General Emmanuel Matatu formally assumed command of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) on Monday, succeeding General Phillip Valerio Sibanda during a handover-takeover ceremony at Charles Gumbo Barracks, formerly One Commando Barracks.

The event attracted political attention after Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a former ZDF commander, attended in full military uniform — a rare public appearance in fatigues — sparking speculation over possible political symbolism regarding Zanu-PF's succession dynamics.

Presidential spokesman George Charamba dismissed such interpretations, describing them as "misplaced." He explained that it is a long-standing military tradition for retired generals of equivalent rank to don uniforms as a mark of respect during a change of command at the top of the ZDF. "The narrative on succession fears is fictional," Charamba said.

Chiwenga, who led the ZDF for over a decade and retired in 2017 after the intervention that removed Robert Mugabe, stood alongside senior military chiefs as Matatu took the oath of command.

The ceremony marked a major leadership transition in the country's security services, with Sibanda stepping down after a long tenure. President Emmerson Mnangagwa departed the event for the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where service chiefs and senior officials saw him off. Chiwenga saluted the President before departing for Angola to attend the 7th African Union–European Union Summit.