President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made a big change in the government. Dr. Fulton Mangwanya, a conservationist and former director of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), is now the new Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO). Mangwanya replaces Isaac Moyo, who had been in charge since 2017.
Dr. Mangwanya has a long history in intelligence and conservation. He has been part of the CIO since 1988. In 2015, he left his role in intelligence to lead ZimParks. For the last nine years, he worked on land, conservation, and wildlife issues. Mangwanya is also known to have farming experience, making him a versatile leader. Now, he returns to the intelligence world to take the top job.
Isaac Moyo’s removal from the CIO role has been expected for a while. Sources say there were tensions between Moyo and President Mnangagwa. These issues began before the 2023 general elections. During that time, Mnangagwa trusted others, like retired Brigadier Walter Tapfumaneyi, to oversee election-related work. Tapfumaneyi was a co-deputy Director-General at the CIO and worked with Forever Associate Zimbabwe, a group linked to the CIO. This raised questions about Moyo’s role and influence.
Moyo became the head of the CIO in 2017 after the military coup that removed former President Robert Mugabe. At the time, Moyo was seen as a close ally of Mnangagwa. However, their relationship reportedly worsened over the years. Intelligence sources say trust and confidence between the two had eroded, leading to Moyo’s eventual removal.
The official announcement about Mangwanya’s appointment was made by Chief Secretary Martin Rushwaya. He said, “In terms of Section 226(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has appointed Dr. Fulton Mangwanya as the Director General, President’s Department. The appointment is with immediate effect.”
Many people have reacted to the news of Mangwanya’s appointment. On social media, some have wished him well in his new role. One user wrote, “Good luck Mr. Mangwanya. Hope you will perform all your duties with the nation at heart.” Others are waiting to see how Mangwanya will handle this important job.
Mangwanya’s background in conservation, farming, and intelligence gives him a unique set of skills. At ZimParks, he focused on protecting wildlife and managing land. Now, as CIO Director-General, his job will be very different. The CIO plays a key role in national security, gathering intelligence, and handling sensitive political issues. Mangwanya’s challenge will be to use his skills to manage these responsibilities effectively.
The 2023 elections highlighted the role of the CIO in Zimbabwe’s political landscape. The use of Forever Associate Zimbabwe as a civic front for intelligence work showed how deeply the CIO is involved in political affairs. Mangwanya will need to navigate these dynamics carefully, especially as he takes over during a time of political tension.
The move also reflects Mnangagwa’s efforts to reshape key positions in his government. By appointing Mangwanya, Mnangagwa may be signaling a shift in how he wants the CIO to operate. The president seems to value loyalty and effectiveness in these roles, as seen in his decision to replace Moyo.
Mangwanya’s appointment marks a new chapter for Zimbabwe’s intelligence sector. His ability to balance his experience in conservation with the demands of national security will be closely watched. Many hope his leadership will bring positive changes and strengthen the country’s intelligence operations.
For now, all eyes are on Dr. Fulton Mangwanya as he takes on this critical role. His success will depend on his ability to manage political pressures and maintain the trust of both the government and the people.