Ex-military commander who led Mugabe’s ouster sworn in as VP

December 28, 2017 4:43 pm

Zimbabwe's Commander Defence Forces General Constantino Chiwenga attends the extraordinary conference of the Zanu-PF, Zimbabwe's ruling party, in Harare December 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Jekesai NJIKIZANA

Constantino Chiwenga, a retired general who led the ouster of Robert Mugabe, former Zimbabwean president, has been sworn in as vice-president.

Kembo Mohadi, a former state security minister, has also been sworn in as the second vice-president.

President Emerson Mnangagwa appointed Chiwenga and Mohadi as vice-presidents of the ruling ZANU-PF party, signalling their appointment.

Chiwenga had retired earlier in the month and was widely expected to be appointed in that capacity amid growing fears about the military’s influence on new president.

Mnangagwa has announced that any future president (including Mugabe) who serves at least one term would benefit from a reward scheme.

The retirement benefits include “government-funded accommodation, office space and personnel, a luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle, security details, first-class air travel abroad at least four times a year and an undisclosed entertainment allowance.”