Zimbabwe: Ex-CIO Boss Tapfumaneyi Takes Over As Army Commander As Matatu Is Named New ZDF Commander

19 November 2025
New Zimbabwe (London)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Lt. General Emmanuel Matatu as the new Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander following the retirement of General Philip Valerio Sibanda.

Matatu, who was appointed Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander in March this year, will be replaced by former Deputy Director General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi.

The appointments were announced Wednesday in separate statements issued by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Rushwaya."His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, acting in terms of section 216(2 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe as read with sections 7(1) and 8(2 of the Defence Act [Chapter 11:02], promoted Lieutenant Genera Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of General and appointed him Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with effect from 21 November 2025.

"The appointment follows the retirement of outgoing Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda," Rushwaya said

Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn

Sibanda is expected to take up a role in the ruling Zanu PF politburo.

In 2023, Mnangagwa briefly appointed him to the party's politburo before reversing the decision following a backlash from civil society. His appointment was scheduled for review at the end of his army tenure.

With tensions reportedly deepening over Mnangagwa's succession, analysts view the elevation of his close allies to key military positions as a move to consolidate and secure his political interests.

The military played a pivotal role in the 2017 coup that propelled Mnangagwa to power, making control of the security sector crucial in maintaining his hold on the state.

Tapfumaneyi was placed under US sanctions in 2024 for his alleged role in disrupting the 2023 general elections through the Forever Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ), which was accused of intimidating voters at polling stations.

Read the original article on New Zimbabwe.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2025 New Zimbabwe. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.