News / National
Rugeje changes his position, agrees to take diplomatic posting
2 hrs ago |
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FORMER Zimbabwe National Army commander and Zanu PF Politburo member retired Lieutenant-General Engelbert Rugeje has reportedly backed down over a possible diplomatic posting and is now prepared to take up an ambassadorial position if formally appointed.
Rugeje, who previously served as Zanu PF national political commissar, is understood to be under consideration for a diplomatic posting, with Maputo, Mozambique, reportedly among the possible destinations.
The development was disclosed by Zanu PF allies of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who said Rugeje had initially been reluctant to accept a diplomatic assignment.
A Zanu PF Politburo member told The NewsHawks that Rugeje had changed his position after the issue became public.
"When this issue came to light, Rugeje didn't want to take any diplomatic posting for the reasons in your story yesterday, but things have now changed — he says he will comply and take the position if officially appointed," the Politburo member said.
The source compared the situation to that of retired Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, who was removed as Zimbabwe National Army commander last year and subsequently appointed Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
According to the source, Sanyatwe had initially been reluctant to take up the ministerial position but eventually accepted the appointment.
"It's like the situation with retired Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe. Remember when he was removed as Zimbabwe National Army commander last year and appointed Sports minister, he wanted to refuse the new post, but later backed down and complied. It's the same situation," the source said.
Rugeje's reported change of position comes amid speculation within Zanu PF over the possible deployment of senior retired military figures to diplomatic posts.
However, there has been no official confirmation of Rugeje's appointment or the specific country to which he may be posted.
If formally appointed, the move would mark another transition for Rugeje, who has held senior positions in both the military and the ruling party.
The former army commander was appointed Zanu PF national political commissar after the 2017 political transition before later leaving the position.
His reported willingness to accept a diplomatic assignment follows renewed speculation over the deployment of senior ruling-party figures to positions outside the country's domestic political arena.
Rugeje, who previously served as Zanu PF national political commissar, is understood to be under consideration for a diplomatic posting, with Maputo, Mozambique, reportedly among the possible destinations.
The development was disclosed by Zanu PF allies of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who said Rugeje had initially been reluctant to accept a diplomatic assignment.
A Zanu PF Politburo member told The NewsHawks that Rugeje had changed his position after the issue became public.
"When this issue came to light, Rugeje didn't want to take any diplomatic posting for the reasons in your story yesterday, but things have now changed — he says he will comply and take the position if officially appointed," the Politburo member said.
The source compared the situation to that of retired Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, who was removed as Zimbabwe National Army commander last year and subsequently appointed Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
"It's like the situation with retired Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe. Remember when he was removed as Zimbabwe National Army commander last year and appointed Sports minister, he wanted to refuse the new post, but later backed down and complied. It's the same situation," the source said.
Rugeje's reported change of position comes amid speculation within Zanu PF over the possible deployment of senior retired military figures to diplomatic posts.
However, there has been no official confirmation of Rugeje's appointment or the specific country to which he may be posted.
If formally appointed, the move would mark another transition for Rugeje, who has held senior positions in both the military and the ruling party.
The former army commander was appointed Zanu PF national political commissar after the 2017 political transition before later leaving the position.
His reported willingness to accept a diplomatic assignment follows renewed speculation over the deployment of senior ruling-party figures to positions outside the country's domestic political arena.
Source - online
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