Helliate Rushwaya is set to become Zimbabwe's next envoy in Rwanda, and Kigali has already given her the green light. The ZBC chairperson is in line to take over from Charity Manyeruke, who once taught at the University of Zimbabwe.
Rwanda gave its approval through a cabinet decision. That clears a key step for Rushwaya, who would serve as Zimbabwe's top diplomat based in Kigali. She is also the first new pick in this round to get public approval from a host nation.
There is a much bigger staff change at play, though. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called back nearly all of Zimbabwe's envoys as he seeks a new way to handle ties abroad. Some may get fresh jobs, while others may leave those roles for good.
Not every diplomat is set to leave. The envoys posted to the United States and the United Nations are likely to stay, along with roughly four others.
Around 21 diplomats may have to pack up or move to new posts. Christian Katsande, a retired army colonel who serves in the United Kingdom, is among those whose jobs may change.
Then there are the names in the mix for fresh roles. Retired Lieutenant General Engelbert Rugeje is one of them. Former cabinet members Miriam Chikukwa and Mike Bimha have also come up as possible picks, but none of those roles is confirmed.
And this is not just about new faces at embassies. Mnangagwa wants his diplomats to bring in more trade, draw foreign cash, and help boost visits to Zimbabwe. He also wants them to build better ties with nations that have kept their distance.
Behind the push, there is some clear discontent. Reports suggest Mnangagwa has told his aides that certain envoys have failed to get the results he wants. He is also said to be unhappy with how long some have held the same posts.
For Rushwaya, the next step is to take up the role once the formal process is done. For the rest of the diplomatic service, the full list of changes remains unclear.
Rwanda gave its approval through a cabinet decision. That clears a key step for Rushwaya, who would serve as Zimbabwe's top diplomat based in Kigali. She is also the first new pick in this round to get public approval from a host nation.
There is a much bigger staff change at play, though. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called back nearly all of Zimbabwe's envoys as he seeks a new way to handle ties abroad. Some may get fresh jobs, while others may leave those roles for good.
Not every diplomat is set to leave. The envoys posted to the United States and the United Nations are likely to stay, along with roughly four others.
Around 21 diplomats may have to pack up or move to new posts. Christian Katsande, a retired army colonel who serves in the United Kingdom, is among those whose jobs may change.
Then there are the names in the mix for fresh roles. Retired Lieutenant General Engelbert Rugeje is one of them. Former cabinet members Miriam Chikukwa and Mike Bimha have also come up as possible picks, but none of those roles is confirmed.
And this is not just about new faces at embassies. Mnangagwa wants his diplomats to bring in more trade, draw foreign cash, and help boost visits to Zimbabwe. He also wants them to build better ties with nations that have kept their distance.
Behind the push, there is some clear discontent. Reports suggest Mnangagwa has told his aides that certain envoys have failed to get the results he wants. He is also said to be unhappy with how long some have held the same posts.
For Rushwaya, the next step is to take up the role once the formal process is done. For the rest of the diplomatic service, the full list of changes remains unclear.
