Mnangagwa extends Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander's term of office

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the tenure of General Philip Valerio Sibanda as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) by one year, a move seen as part of a broader strategy to consolidate power as he reportedly eyes a third term in office.

The decision, announced in a Government Gazette notice, comes as Sibanda reached the official retirement age of 70. Mnangagwa, 82, who is currently on leave, exercised his authority as Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF under the Defence (Regular Force) (Officers) Regulations of 1988, extending Sibanda's term from December 24, 2024, to November 23, 2025.

The ZDF, which encompasses the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), remains a critical pillar of Mnangagwa's administration.

In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya confirmed the extension:

"It is hereby notified that His Excellency the President has, in terms of proviso (i) to the Defence (Regular Force) (Officers) Regulations, 1988, extended the appointment of General Philip Valerio Sibanda as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with effect from the 24th December 2024 to the 23rd November 2025."

Security Sector Reconfiguration

The extension follows a series of sweeping changes in Zimbabwe's security apparatus. Mnangagwa recently replaced the heads of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Fulton Mangwanya succeeded Isaac Moyo as CIO Director-General, while Stephen Mutamba replaced Godwin Matanga as ZRP Commissioner-General.

Further consolidating his influence, Mnangagwa promoted six senior ZNA officers to the rank of Brigadier-General effective December 16, 2024. The newly promoted Brigadier-Generals are Oscar Tshuma, Raban Nikisi, Benjamin Sabata, Passmore Taruodzera, Million Ndlovu, and Lawrence Munzararikwa.

Power Dynamics

Sibanda, who has been at the helm of the ZDF since 2017, succeeded Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a key figure in the 2017 coup that propelled Mnangagwa to power. Analysts view Sibanda's extended tenure as a calculated move to ensure loyalty within the military ranks as Mnangagwa maneuvers for a third term.

The President's ongoing reshuffle of top security personnel is seen as an effort to fortify his grip on the country's key institutions amid mounting political challenges and speculation about his succession plans.

This reconfiguration underscores Mnangagwa's reliance on the military and security sector to maintain stability and control, particularly as he seeks to secure his legacy and navigate the complexities of Zimbabwe's political landscape.