Outgoing Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander Retired General Constantino Chiwenga has officially retired following an announcement yesterday by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda that Chiwenga had retired pending redeployment.
In his farewell address, Chiwenga called on new ZDF Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda to jealously guard the reputation the ZDF has created over the years. Said Chiwenga:
As I retire today, I am proud to have associated with such a professional, patriotic and efficient force that has become an envy of many, friend or foe. I call upon you to jealously guard this reputation that we have earned over the years.
Edzai Absolom Chimonyo replaced Sibanda as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army. There has been speculation that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will appoint Chiwenga as one of his Vice Presidents.
Chiwenga’s appointment is likely to happen considering his involvement in Operation Restore Legacy which resulted in the resignation of Robert Mugabe and Mnangagwa’s elevation to the Presidency. Mnangagwa has already appointed two military personnel; Perrance Shiri and Sibusiso Moyo as cabinet ministers.