By Munacho Gwamanda– President Emmerson Mnangagwa has continued his rapid promotion of top military officers, reinforcing his grip on power while seemingly sidelining factions loyal to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. 

Mnangagwa has promoted 56 high-ranking officers in the past few days alone, signalling his strategic effort to build a loyal military hierarchy.

Just this week, 23 Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant Colonels were elevated to the rank of Colonel, following 33 promotions within 48 hours last week. 

The rapid succession of promotions includes the elevation of six colonels to Brigadier-General, alongside a significant reshuffle in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, where two Air Commodores, 11 Group Captains, and 16 Wing Commanders were advanced.

Mnangagwa’s actions, including these moves while on leave, underscore his determination to solidify control over the military, a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s power structure. 

His promotion of military officers has been particularly concentrated at KG6, the heart of the country’s junta.

This flurry of promotions is part of a broader strategy to neutralize rivals, particularly Vice President Chiwenga, whose influence has steadily eroded. 

Mnangagwa’s methodical sidelining of Chiwenga’s allies—many of whom have died under mysterious circumstances or have been politically isolated—has left the Vice President’s faction increasingly powerless.

With these calculated promotions, Mnangagwa appears to be setting the stage for a more secure rule, drawing parallels with the strategies used by former President Robert Mugabe. 

While Mugabe’s reliance on military loyalty ultimately led to his downfall through a coup, Mnangagwa is following suit with a more meticulous, calculated approach to cement his dominance.

The President’s recent moves indicate a long-term strategy to retain power and potentially extend his rule beyond the previously suggested two-term limit, undermining any hope of a successor from within his party or the military.