Mnangagwa Faces Delicate Choices As General PV Sibanda’s Term Ends

Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda is expected to step down on November 23 when his contract expires, but questions remain over what role he will take next and who will replace him.

General Sibanda, who turns 71 in December, has been at the helm of the country’s armed forces since 2017.

He assumed command after Constantino Chiwenga left the post to become vice president following the military coup that removed Robert Mugabe from power.

Although President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended Sibanda’s contract by one year, the move drew criticism from some legal experts, who argued that the law sets the military retirement age at 70.

A farewell ceremony is scheduled for November 24, fuelling speculation about Sibanda’s future. There have been rumours that he could be elevated to the vice presidency, but with no vacant seat, such a move would require Mnangagwa to replace either Vice President Chiwenga or his co-deputy, Kembo Mohadi.

Attention has also turned to who might take over as ZDF commander. By precedence, Zimbabwe National Army commander Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu, appointed in March, would be next in line.

However, at 72, he too is beyond the statutory retirement age, raising further uncertainty about the impending transition within the military leadership.

More: ZimLive

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