MNANGAGWA EXTENDS SIBANDA’S TERM TO SECURE HIS RULE
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the term of General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, the commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), by one more year. This decision is seen as a move to secure his position, keep his political rival Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga in check, and prevent any potential coup against his government.
The announcement was made through an official notice by Martin Rushwaya, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet. 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 has been a key ally of Mnangagwa since the military coup that brought Mnangagwa to power in November 2017. His leadership of the defence forces has played a significant role in maintaining Mnangagwa’s hold on power.
Without Sibanda’s support, Mnangagwa’s position would be at greater risk. In January 2019, when Mnangagwa was visiting Russia and other eastern European countries, there was an attempt to remove him from power. The presence of Sibanda at the top of the military has been seen as a safeguard against such threats.
Mnangagwa is currently engaged in a fierce power struggle with Vice-President Chiwenga. Chiwenga, who has strong backing from sections of the military and the ruling Zanu PF party, is seen as a serious challenger to Mnangagwa’s authority. Mnangagwa’s decision to extend Sibanda’s term is widely viewed as an effort to strengthen his position in this ongoing battle for power.
The power struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga has been escalating as Mnangagwa seeks to remain in power beyond the constitutional limits of his second term, which ends in 2028. He is reportedly planning to extend his rule until 2030, despite the constitutional barriers.
By extending Sibanda’s term, Mnangagwa aims to secure the loyalty of the defence forces and neutralize any potential threats from within the military ranks. This move also ensures that Sibanda, a trusted ally, remains in a position to protect Mnangagwa’s interests.
The extension has sparked discussions about Mnangagwa’s strategy to maintain his grip on power. Critics argue that this is another example of how Mnangagwa is using state institutions and key individuals to consolidate his authority while sidelining his rivals.
In Zimbabwe’s political landscape, the support of the military has often been crucial for survival in power. Mnangagwa’s reliance on Sibanda reflects this reality. However, it also highlights the fragile nature of his leadership, which depends heavily on military backing.
As Mnangagwa moves forward with his plans, the question remains whether he can maintain this delicate balance of power within his party and the military. For now, Sibanda’s continued leadership of the defence forces is a significant pillar of Mnangagwa’s strategy to stay in control.
The extension of Sibanda’s term, while officially justified as a routine administrative decision, is seen by many as a calculated political move. It reinforces Mnangagwa’s position against his rivals and sends a clear signal that he is determined to secure his rule at all costs.
This development is likely to further deepen the divisions within the ruling party and the military, as the battle for power continues to unfold.
