MNANGAGWA FEARS LOSING POWER AND KEEPS SIBANDA CLOSE

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has decided to extend the term of General Philip Valerio Sibanda, the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, by one more year. Many people see this move as a way for Mnangagwa to protect himself, keep his rival Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga under control, and stop any chance of a military coup against him. The announcement was made by Martin Rushwaya, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, through an official notice.

The notice said that Sibanda’s appointment has been extended from 24 December 2024 to 23 November 2025. This decision comes at a time when Mnangagwa is facing growing pressure. Since he came into power in November 2017 through a military coup, Mnangagwa has depended on Sibanda to help him stay in control. Sibanda has been very important to him, especially in times when he felt unsafe.

One example is from January 2019. During that time, Mnangagwa was travelling in Russia and other countries in Eastern Europe. While he was away, there were strong rumours and signs of a possible coup against him. Sibanda helped block that coup and made sure Mnangagwa stayed in power. Without Sibanda’s support, Mnangagwa would have been in a weak and dangerous position.

Right now, Mnangagwa is in a serious power fight with Vice-President Chiwenga. Chiwenga has a lot of support from the army and from people inside ZANU PF. His faction wants more control over the government. This has created fear and tension for Mnangagwa. By extending Sibanda’s term, Mnangagwa is trying to protect himself from Chiwenga and to make sure the military does not turn against him.

Mnangagwa also has long plans to keep power beyond the limits set by the Constitution. His second term must end in 2028, but he wants to stay until 2030 or even longer. For him to achieve this, he needs strong military support, and Sibanda is a key part of that plan. Keeping Sibanda as the head of the military helps Mnangagwa feel safe and secure.

This extension shows that Mnangagwa understands the danger he faces. If he loses the military, his rule can collapse very fast. Sibanda is someone he trusts fully, and he believes Sibanda will protect him from enemies inside the party and outside of it. This decision is a clear sign that Mnangagwa is worried about what may happen if the army stops supporting him.

Zimbabwe’s politics are now full of tension and secret fights. The struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga will continue to shape the future of the country. No one knows who will win this battle, but what is clear is that the country is stuck with leaders who care more about power than the people.

By extending Sibanda’s term, Mnangagwa is sending a message to everyone: he will do anything to stay in control. But this move also risks making his rivals even more angry and determined to remove him. As we move closer to 2028, the fight for power in Zimbabwe will only become more tough and more dangerous.

This whole situation shows how important the military is in Zimbabwean politics. Mnangagwa’s survival depends on the army. Without the army, he is nothing. Sibanda is the person holding that power for him.

While Mnangagwa may feel safe for now, this decision also shows how weak and fragile his leadership is. With enemies like Chiwenga always watching, anything can change quickly. Mnangagwa wants to stay close to his loyal allies, but even that may not save him. The future of Zimbabwe remains uncertain, and the people continue to suffer while leaders fight to protect their own power.