Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa has picked Walter Tapfumaneyi as the new ambassador to Cuba. Tapfumaneyi currently serves as the Deputy Director-General for the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and holds the rank of retired Brigadier-General. This move comes as Mnangagwa is kicking out many top security officials from their positions. The President aims to strengthen control and block any threats from inside his government.
Tapfumaneyi exits his job right after several other big changes hit security leadership. Isaac Moyo lost his position as CIO Director-General, and Fulton Mangwanya took his place. Police leadership changed hands when Stephen Mutamba replaced Godwin Matanga as Commissioner-General. Just last week, Mnangagwa fired Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe from leading the army. Many experts view these actions as attempts to stop another military takeover similar to what happened back in November 2017.
Since becoming president, Mnangagwa has fired numerous high-ranking security officials. These recent firings reveal his focus on keeping power and ensuring key government agencies stay loyal to him. Tapfumaneyi has held several important government jobs during his career. He worked as a permanent secretary for the Ministry of Welfare Services for War Veterans and related groups. He also served as principal director in Presidential Affairs and led various units in Zimbabwe's army.
Tapfumaneyi previously worked for the CIO between 2005 and 2009, where he rose to assistant director. His education background includes a Master of Science in International Relations and a Master of Business Administration, plus other degrees. The Cuba assignment fits a larger pattern. Mnangagwa often sends possible rivals from security agencies to faraway diplomatic posts, which helps remove challenges to his leadership but keeps his political control intact.
Tapfumaneyi exits his job right after several other big changes hit security leadership. Isaac Moyo lost his position as CIO Director-General, and Fulton Mangwanya took his place. Police leadership changed hands when Stephen Mutamba replaced Godwin Matanga as Commissioner-General. Just last week, Mnangagwa fired Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe from leading the army. Many experts view these actions as attempts to stop another military takeover similar to what happened back in November 2017.
Since becoming president, Mnangagwa has fired numerous high-ranking security officials. These recent firings reveal his focus on keeping power and ensuring key government agencies stay loyal to him. Tapfumaneyi has held several important government jobs during his career. He worked as a permanent secretary for the Ministry of Welfare Services for War Veterans and related groups. He also served as principal director in Presidential Affairs and led various units in Zimbabwe's army.
Tapfumaneyi previously worked for the CIO between 2005 and 2009, where he rose to assistant director. His education background includes a Master of Science in International Relations and a Master of Business Administration, plus other degrees. The Cuba assignment fits a larger pattern. Mnangagwa often sends possible rivals from security agencies to faraway diplomatic posts, which helps remove challenges to his leadership but keeps his political control intact.
