Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed a new Commander of the country's Armed Forces on November 19, and also replaced the Commander of the Army. This was announced on social media by the press service of the president's office.

"The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has promoted Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of General and appointed him as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, effective November 21, 2025. This appointment follows the retirement of the previous Commander, General Philip Valerio Sibanda," the statement said.

Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi was appointed as the Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army. Mnangagwa also promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant General.

Matatu previously held the position of Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army.