ZNA Refutes Mnangagwa's Son Elevated To Army Major Reports
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Sean has reportedly been promoted to the post of an army major.
The move has raised speculation that Mnangagwa is strengthening his hold on the military as he prepares for the 2023 general elections.
NewsDay reported a source saying Sean is one of the President’s key pillars in politics. Said the source:
Sean was a lieutenant before he was promoted to the position of captain in the Presidential Guard, a position which he currently holds.
He (Sean) is set to be appointed an army major after passing a course. Sean is also a businessman and is a disciplined person.
At the moment he is one of Mnangagwa’s key pillars in politics.
Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore told NewsDay that the President’s son was still captain, but had passed a junior staff course. He said:
It is true that he passed a junior staff course, he is a captain in the army and has not been promoted.
After passing the course, and just like anyone else, everyone needs progression in life.
There was a picture of him circulating on social media saying he is now an army major.
He was just celebrating passing a junior staff course just like any individual would do after being successful.
Meanwhile, political analyst Methuseli Moyo said there was nothing wrong with the President’s son making progress in the military. Said Moyo:
So far no one has brought forward any reason why he should not be promoted, except that he is the President’s son.
As to whether his upcoming promotion has a bearing on issues in ZANU PF, I think it is farfetched.
Again, to imagine that the President can consolidate power through his son in the army is stretching issues a bit too far.
Another political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya said Sean does not have an influence in the army as he does not have any war credentials.
