MNANGAGWA HOLDS ON TO POWER BY EXTENDING GENERAL SIBANDA’S TERM

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the term of General Philip Valerio Sibanda, the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, for another year. This move is not just about military work. It is a political move to protect Mnangagwa’s rule and control. Many people believe this is a way to stop Vice President Constantino Chiwenga from rising and to block any future military coups.

The extension was officially announced by Martin Rushwaya, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet. The statement said that General Sibanda’s term has been extended from 24 December 2024 to 23 November 2025. This means Sibanda will remain in charge of the army during a very tense time in Zimbabwean politics.

Mnangagwa came into power in 2017 through a military-backed coup. Since then, he has needed strong support from the army. General Sibanda has been one of his biggest allies. In 2019, when Mnangagwa was away visiting Russia and other countries, there were reports of a possible coup. It was Sibanda who protected Mnangagwa and helped stop that plan.

This is not just about friendship. This is survival. Mnangagwa knows that if he loses the army, he may also lose power. Zimbabwe has a history where the army decides who rules and who doesn’t. That is why this extension is very important.

Right now, there is a big power struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. Chiwenga, who helped remove Mugabe in 2017, has his own dreams of becoming president. He also has strong support from the military. This makes him a real threat to Mnangagwa.

By keeping Sibanda close, Mnangagwa is blocking Chiwenga’s way. He is saying to everyone that the army is still on his side. But this also makes things more tense in the ruling party, ZANU PF. Fights between top leaders can break the party, and Zimbabwe could suffer more.

Mnangagwa has said before that he wants to rule until 2030. But the Constitution says he must step down in 2028. To change that, he will need the support of the army. Extending Sibanda’s term is part of that plan. He is making sure the army helps him stay in power for longer.

Many people are now asking if Zimbabwe is really a democracy. If the president must rely on the army to rule, is the power in the hands of the people or the generals? This is a big question, and it shows how fragile things are in Zimbabwe.

This decision also shows how scared Mnangagwa is. He knows there are people inside his own party who want him gone. He is trying to build a wall around himself using trusted people like Sibanda. But walls can fall. And when they do, the fall is hard.

Chiwenga is not giving up. His camp will see this move as a challenge. The fight for power is not over. In fact, it is only getting worse. As we move closer to 2028, the war inside ZANU PF will grow.

What happens next is hard to say. But one thing is clear. Mnangagwa will do anything to stay in power. He is not ready to let go. And Zimbabwe, once again, is stuck in a political game between strong men who care more about power than the people.

The extension of General Sibanda’s term is not just a military decision. It is a clear message. Mnangagwa wants to rule longer. He fears his rivals. He trusts the army more than the people. And he will keep making these moves to stay at the top, no matter the cost.