Zimbabwe CIO Chief Fired Amid Allegations of Nepotism and Misconduct
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has removed the Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation, Fulton Mangwanya, replacing him with former diplomat Paul Chikawa following reports of internal friction and administrative overreach.
Harry Taruva 
Harare - President Emmerson Mnangagwa has fired the head of Zimbabwe’s primary intelligence agency, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), indicating a shift within the country’s security establishment.
Fulton Mangwanya, who served as Director-General of the powerful state security wing, was removed from his post with immediate effect.
The dismissal follows an official press statement issued by the Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr. Martin Rushwaya on Friday, April 10, which confirmed the appointment of Paul Chikawa as the new Director-General.
Chikawa previously served as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to China, and his elevation to the top of the President’s Department marks a transition toward a leadership with high-level diplomatic experience.
While the official announcement did not provide a specific reason for the sudden change in leadership, sources indicate that the departure of Mr Mangwanya is the result of escalating tensions within the President’s inner circle.
Internal friction among senior government figures has reportedly intensified in recent months, leading to a breakdown in the cohesion of the administration’s security apparatus.
Beyond political infighting, the former intelligence chief faced a series of serious allegations regarding his personal and professional conduct.
Senior officials within the organisation had reportedly raised concerns over a perceived culture of nepotism.
It is alleged that Mr Mangwanya used his authority to secure influential positions for relatives within the intelligence agency, bypassing standard recruitment and promotion protocols.
Further scrutiny was directed at Mr Mangwanya’s travel conduct. Reports emerged suggesting that he had included a woman, alleged to be his personal partner, on official international delegations alongside the President.
This alleged abuse of office drew quiet but firm complaints from senior directors who viewed the inclusion of unauthorised personnel on sensitive state trips as a breach of protocol and a security risk.
