Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa sack Chiwenga, a risky move in the face of political uncertainty

Zimbabwe has just experienced a stunning precedent: President Emmerson Mnangagwa has dismissed army chief General Constantino Chiwenga. This decision is not simply a matter of military readjustment, but rather a tactical maneuver to extinguish a potential revolt that was brewing beneath the surface. Tensions between the ruling power and the military, once allies, are heating up, and the story is taking a rather unexpected turn.

Tensions between the generals and the government: the great changing of the guard

It's no secret that Zimbabwe is in turmoil. After years of Robert Mugabe's rule, the country is struggling to find its footing. Mnangagwa, who took the reins with the promise of a fresh start, quickly realized that the generals were not only instruments of peace and stability; they also pose a potential threat to his power. By dismissing Chiwenga, a former comrade-in-arms during the 2017 coup, the president appears to be taking a bold step toward total control.

In Zimbabwe, the military has always played a crucial role in politics. Often seen as the guardian of a weakened regime, it could soon lose its privileged status. By ousting its leader, Mnangagwa is sending a clear message: he will not let the military decide his future. However, this divide-and-rule strategy could backfire, setting the president up for a dangerous dance with his former allies. It remains to be seen whether Mnangagwa's decision will be a stroke of genius or a desperate gamble.

Consequences on the political and social scene

The implications of this dismissal will not be limited to the walls of power. Distrust and uncertainty are growing among the population, who wonder whether this change will mark the beginning of a new era or plunge the country into even deeper chaos. As a bonus, this decision could catalyze a protest movement, bringing together the various factions disillusioned with a power that is becoming increasingly autocratic.

Mnangagwa will have to carefully navigate popular expectations and military ambitions. Zimbabwe's fragility is palpable, and every step he takes could rock the boat into turbulent waters. At a time when cries for democracy are growing louder, the only question that remains is: who will pull the strings in this country where political uncertainty seems to be the only constant?