Cracks among Zimbabwe's retired generals

Divisions have emerged among Zimbabwe's retired military leadership after Retired Major-General Gibson Mashingaidze publicly distanced himself and other former commanders from a letter criticising proposed constitutional amendments linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration.

The rift centres on a communication authored by retired Air Vice-Marshal Henry Muchena, who warned that the proposed changes under Constitutional Amendment Bill (No.3) could undermine the ideals of the liberation struggle. The amendments seek to extend presidential terms and introduce sweeping changes to Zimbabwe's political and governance framework.

However, Mashingaidze dismissed Muchena's claims to represent a collective position, describing them as "unfortunate" and "regrettable." He insisted that Muchena had not consulted widely and was expressing a personal opinion rather than a unified stance of retired generals.

Writing to Parliament in his capacity as National Chair of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Board, Gibson Mashingaidze said the "generality" of retired commanders and senior civil servants—particularly those aligned with Zanu-PF—support the proposed constitutional changes.

He argued that the amendments are necessary to correct what he termed "unpalatable" provisions introduced during the Government of National Unity era. According to Mashingaidze, the reforms are consistent with resolutions adopted at recent Zanu-PF conferences held in Bulawayo in 2024 and Mutare in 2025.

Mashingaidze further described Mnangagwa as a committed constitutionalist and maintained that the amendment process is being conducted lawfully through Parliament, including ongoing public consultation processes across the country.

In contrast, Muchena's letter—written on behalf of unnamed retired commanders—called for a national referendum on the proposed changes, arguing that parliamentary processes alone are insufficient for such significant constitutional reforms.

The disagreement highlights growing fault lines within Zimbabwe's former military elite, a group traditionally seen as politically cohesive and influential in national affairs. It also reflects broader national tensions surrounding the proposed amendments, which critics say could reshape the country's democratic architecture.

With Parliament set to gather public input on the bill, the debate is expected to intensify, as questions over legitimacy, process and public mandate continue to dominate Zimbabwe's political landscape.