Chiwenga Strikes Fear in Mnangagwa And His Allies

While it is standard operating procedure and considered a privilege for honourably retired military commanders, including generals and any other retired personnel, to wear their uniforms which they got upon retirement at state military occasions and formal ceremonies, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga struck deep fear in President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his political allies’ hearts by wearing his military fatigue at outgoing Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda’s handover-takeover ceremony at One Commando Barracks (now Charles Gumbo Barracks) in Harare.

Chiwenga is Acting President as President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on a visit to Angola. Situated in Cranborne along Airport Road, the barracks house One Commando Regiment, formerly known as One Commando Battalion.

This unit is known for its tartan green berets and special mission capabilities.

The regiment was formed in 1981, based on the former Rhodesian Light Infantry and Rhodesian African Rifles, during the integration of Rhodesia, Zipra and Zanla forces, the three armies that fought during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

Mnangagwa last week reshuffled ZDF and Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commanders as Sibanda retired.

Sibanda was replaced by newly promoted General Emmanuel Matatu as ZDF commander, while Major-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi became ZNA commander.

Tapfumaneyi took over from Matatu.

Sibanda delivered a farewell address and salute, while Matatu gave an acceptance speech amid signing of handover certificates.

Enveloped by fear, Mnangagwa delivered the keynote address as the chief witnessing officer and commander-in-chief.

The military changes were widely seen as part of a coup-proofing strategy by Mnangagwa currently under a growing and intensifying succession challenge from Chiwenga.

Mnangagwa presided over the handover parade under a cloud of anxiety and fear.

Subsequently, Mnangagwa timidly left on a visit to Angola.

Military regulations generally authorise this practice for events where the dignity of the occasion and good taste dictate, provided the individuals adhere to specific guidelines.

Uniform wear is considered appropriate for formal military events, state occasions, memorial services, military funerals, weddings, balls, and patriotic parades where active military units are participating.

The appropriate uniform, for instance a service dress or mess dress, should be worn, not typically combat or physical fitness uniforms.

The individual must wear the uniform, insignia, and qualifications corresponding to the rank or rating indicated on the retired list at the time of their retirement, without mixing and matching items from different eras or services.

While Chiwenga – together with his key military and now political ally retired General Anseleem Sanyatwe – adhered to these military rituals, their conduct and the optics struck fear and sent shivers down the spines of Mnangagwa and his close allies at the event.

Looking glum and ashen-faced, Mnangagwa, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, State Security minister Lovemore Matuke, Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tawengwa and others were visibly shaken and uncomfortable at the sight of Chiwenga throwing his height around like a military colossus.

The timing of him as Acting President and Mnangagwa going out of the country made a bad situation worse.

Their body language and faces showed they were not amused and bemused, while also shaken as Chiwenga reminded them in army uniform of the 2017 military coup which ousted the late former president Robert Mugabe after 37 years in power; 40 years as Zanu PF leader.

Mnangagwa and Chiwenga are at loggerheads and at each other’s throats over succession, with the latter warning the former not to forget 2017.