MNANGAGWA EXTENDS GENERAL SIBANDA’S TERM TO STAY IN POWER

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has decided to extend the term of General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, the commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, for another year. This move is seen as a way to secure his position, keep his rival Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga in check, and protect his regime from a possible coup.

The announcement was made through an official notice by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya. The notice stated:

“General Notice 15 of 2025.
DEFENCE ACT [CHAPTER 11:02]
Extension of Term of the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces
IT is hereby notified that His Excellency the President has, in terms of proviso (i) to the Defence (Regular Force) (Officers) Regulations 1988, published in Statutory Instrument 152 of 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.

M. RUSHWAYA, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet.”

Sibanda is a key ally of Mnangagwa. Since Mnangagwa came to power through a military coup in November 2017, Sibanda has played a major role in keeping him in office. Without Sibanda’s support, Mnangagwa’s rule could be under threat. In January 2019, while Mnangagwa was visiting Russia and other eastern European countries, there were signs of political instability. At that time, Sibanda’s role in stabilizing the government was critical.

The relationship between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga has become very tense. Chiwenga, who is supported by parts of the military and some members of the ruling Zanu PF party, is seen as Mnangagwa’s biggest rival. The two men are locked in a power struggle as Mnangagwa tries to hold on to power. Mnangagwa’s goal is to extend his rule to 2030, even though the constitution limits him to two terms. His second term will end in 2028, but he appears determined to find a way to stay in office beyond that.

By extending Sibanda’s term, Mnangagwa has strengthened his position against Chiwenga. This move could also be seen as a way to prevent any attempt to remove him, either politically or through another coup.

Sibanda’s leadership in the military gives Mnangagwa some level of security. The military plays an important role in Zimbabwean politics, and having a trusted ally in charge of the Defence Forces is critical for Mnangagwa. The extension of Sibanda’s term may help Mnangagwa keep his grip on power for now, but it also shows how vulnerable his position is.

The power struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga reflects deeper divisions within the ruling party and the military. Mnangagwa’s decision to hold onto power beyond the constitutional limits is likely to cause more tension in the years ahead.

For Mnangagwa, keeping Sibanda close is not just about today’s politics but also about securing his future. Sibanda’s support may help Mnangagwa remain in power for now, but the political and military challenges in Zimbabwe are far from over.

This latest move by Mnangagwa shows how important the military remains in the country’s politics. It also highlights the ongoing battle for power within the government. While Mnangagwa may have bought himself more time by extending Sibanda’s term, the question remains: how long can he keep his rivals at bay?

With Sibanda’s term now extended until late 2025, the coming months will reveal whether Mnangagwa can strengthen his hold on power or if the cracks in his regime will continue to grow.