Christopher Mutsvangwa’s abrupt dismissal as war veterans minister last Saturday followed his demand that President Emmerson Mnangagwa appoint him as state security minister, according to reports from ZimLive.
Mnangagwa reportedly removed the outspoken Mutsvangwa, who also serves as war veterans chairman, citing “insubordination,” as confirmed by individuals familiar with the situation.
Mutsvangwa, appointed last September, was instructed by Mnangagwa to step down from his role as chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), but he refused to comply, leading to tensions.
A government insider revealed that Mutsvangwa’s refusal to relinquish his position as war vets chairman while serving as minister was deemed insubordinate and unacceptable.
Allegedly, Mnangagwa grew increasingly frustrated with Mutsvangwa’s defiance, which escalated when the minister unexpectedly visited him without an appointment on Saturday.
During the meeting, Mutsvangwa reportedly suggested that Mnangagwa appoint him as state security minister to avoid the inconvenience of leaving his position with the war veterans, a move that angered Mnangagwa.
Sources claimed that Mnangagwa interpreted Mutsvangwa’s proposal as self-appointment and was displeased with his approach, leading to a fallout.
Following consultations with his deputies Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Mnangagwa decided to dismiss Mutsvangwa immediately.
Speculation surrounding Mutsvangwa’s dismissal includes allegations that his criticism of information minister Jenfan Muswere regarding board appointments at Zimpapers and the ZBC, as well as his involvement in opaque dealings with Chinese investors, contributed to his departure.
