Chiwenga Shocked By The Death Of Key Military Ally
21 January 2025
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By Munacho Gwamanda-Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has begun his tenure as acting president with a heartfelt condolence message to the family of Major General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, a close ally who passed away last week.

Siziba, aged 67, died at KG6 Hospital in Harare during Chiwenga’s leave, with state media attributing the cause to cancer.

However, whispers of doubt regarding the true cause of death have circulated within Chiwenga’s camp, deepening scepticism about a disturbing trend.

Chiwenga’s statement celebrated Siziba’s significant contributions, from surviving the Freedom Camp attacks to serving in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as his diplomatic role as Botswana’s Military Attaché.

He praised Siziba as a loyal, dedicated leader who exemplified the ideals of the liberation struggle.

Siziba’s death is the latest in a series of over 20 high-ranking military officers aligned with Chiwenga who have died under unclear circumstances since 2017.

These include prominent figures like Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo, Agriculture Minister Perence Shiri, and other top generals.

The deaths come amidst rising tension between Chiwenga and President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Insiders suggest that the deaths could be part of a systematic purge designed to weaken Chiwenga’s power base, undermining a fragile post-2017 coup agreement.

This agreement allegedly stipulated that Mnangagwa would serve two terms before handing over power to Chiwenga.

However, Mnangagwa’s subsequent moves to extend his presidency through constitutional amendments have alienated Chiwenga’s faction.

The sidelining of Chiwenga’s allies coincides with Mnangagwa’s consolidation of authority within Zanu PF.

Political insiders note that these moves signal a clear message to internal dissenters: resistance will not be tolerated.
“Mnangagwa has breached the gentlemen’s agreement,” said a senior Zanu PF official. “The pattern of eliminating Chiwenga’s loyalists is not accidental—it’s a calculated strategy to ensure he retains power unchallenged.”

The growing rift between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga has raised alarm about the potential for another violent power struggle.

Analysts warn that if Chiwenga’s faction feels sufficiently sidelined, they might retaliate, possibly escalating the conflict into another coup attempt.

“Mnangagwa’s grip on power now depends on securing parliamentary loyalty and a neutralized military,” remarked political analyst Mutodi. “But Chiwenga’s camp might see no alternative but to act decisively if their influence continues to wane.”

With Zanu PF’s history of internal factionalism and violent disputes, the ongoing battle for dominance between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga threatens to destabilize the country further, plunging Zimbabwe into another period of political and economic uncertainty.