Zimbabwe ex-military leader who ousted Mugabe becomes VP

Zimbabwe ex-military leader who ousted Mugabe becomes VP | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 file photo, Army General Constantino Chiwenga smiles during the presidential inauguration ceremony in the capital Harare, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's state-run media is reporting that new President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed the country's former military commander as one of his two vice presidents. The naming of Constantino Chiwenga deepens concerns among some in the southern African nation about the military's close ties with Mnangagwa, who took power last month after Chiwenga led a military takeover to oust longtime leader Robert Mugabe. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, File)

HARARE, Zimbabwe – A former general who led the ouster of Zimbabwe’s founding leader has been sworn in as vice-president.

The appointment of Constantino Chiwenga had been widely anticipated amid concerns about the military’s influence on new President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The military stepped in last month and forced the departure of Robert Mugabe as Zimbabweans feared his unpopular wife was preparing to succeed him.

Kembo Mohadi, a former state security minister, was sworn in Thursday as the other vice-president.

Mnangagwa in a new government notice has spelled out benefits for Mugabe and any future president who serves at least one term. They include government-funded accommodation, office space and personnel, a luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicle, security details, first-class air travel abroad at least four times a year and an undisclosed entertainment allowance.

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