Mnangagwa fires CIO boss amid internal tensions

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is reported to have dismissed Fulton Mangwanya as Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation with immediate effect, in a move that signals significant shifts within the country's security establishment.

Mangwanya's removal is reported to follow escalating tensions within the President's inner circle, amid claims of factional infighting at senior levels of government.

He has also faced allegations of nepotism, including claims that he appointed relatives to influential positions within the intelligence agency. Additional allegations suggest he may have abused office by taking a woman believed to be his romantic partner on official international trips alongside the President - claims that reportedly drew concern from senior officials within the organisation.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed the reasons for his dismissal.

Mangwanya has been replaced by Paul Chikawa, Zimbabwe's former ambassador to China, who now assumes leadership of the country's intelligence service.

The leadership change comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over governance and internal dynamics within key state institutions, with observers likely to watch closely for further developments in the security sector.