Mnangagwa Consolidates Military Power Through Son's Promotion, Heightening Internal Friction

President Mnangagwa's promotion of his son, Sean, to Lieutenant-Colonel intensifies internal military power dynamics and raises concerns over meritocracy. This move, following the demotion of VP Chiwenga's wife, signals a strategic consolidation of influence within the Zimbabwe National Army. The potential shift in military loyalty and weakening of institutional integrity creates significant friction for command structures and morale, impacting the state's strategic leverage.