President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday dismissed Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Director-General Fulton Mangwanya and appointed Paul Chikawa, the country’s former ambassador to China and Cuba, as his replacement.
The changes were announced on Friday, 10 April 2026, in a statement issued by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya.
“In terms of Section 226(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, His Excellency the President, Cde. Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has appointed Mr Paul Chikawa as the Director General, President’s Department. The appointment is with immediate effect,” said Rushwaya.
Mangwanya, who was appointed Director-General in January 2025, had served in the role for approximately 15 months.
According to prominent journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono, Mangwanya is reported to have been removed following intense infighting within the inner circle of President Mnangagwa’s government.
Chin’ono further alleged that Mangwanya faced accusations of nepotism, including claims that he hired relatives and placed them in influential positions within the organisation.
