Emmerson Mnangagwa, nicknamed "the Crocodile" for his ruthless political career, was sworn in as the country's leader last week after taking over from Zimbabwe's long-serving leader Robert Mugabe.
Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for some 37 years, had to resign, following the military coup that was allegedly orchestrated by Mnangagwa as retaliation for being dismissed as Mugabe's Vice-President in early November.
Now, as Mnangagwa settles in his predecessor's office, it is time for the military to reap the rewards for its support of the coup.
For instance, General Sibusiso Moyo, who appeared on Zimbabwe's state TV first to deny the military coup and then to announce Mugabe's dismissal, has become the country's Foreign Minister.
Similarly, General Perence Shiri, the head of Zimbabwe's Air Force, received the lucrative post of Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs.
Perence Shiri was highly decorated under Mugabe for spearheading the military operation against the then-Prime Minister's opponents in the early 1980s that reportedly resulted in some 20,000 civilian deaths.
READ MORE: Zimbabwe: Mugabe Claims 'Legitimacy,' Army, Opposition Insist on Transition
Finally, Christopher Mutsvangwa, the head of Zimbabwe's influential National Liberation War Veterans Association, which actively supported the military coup by staging large demonstrations, was appointed as the Minister of Information.
The move upset a number of opposition leaders in Zimbabwe, who hoped that with Mugabe out of the picture, Zimbabwe would pursue a new political course.
"The honeymoon is over even before it had begun," Biti said on Twitter.
"What a shame. What a missed opportunity."
Similarly, Eldred Masunungure, a political science professor at the University of Zimbabwe, claimed that the change in political direction is unlikely under Mnangagwa, whose new Cabinet features "the same tired faces being recycled."
"We had high expectations, but what we see is a ‘thank you' cabinet — thanking the people that may have contributed in various ways to his ascendancy," he told Bloomberg.
The disappointed commentators took to Twitter to voice their views.
At the moment Zimbabwe is a military state. ED wont take an executive decisions without the approval of the Army Generals. Our country is in a crisis, many will realise soon when this MugabeIsGone honeymoon is over.
— Bryan Nana (@Shumblex) 30 ноября 2017 г.
We do not want a military state under any circumstances.
— Fadzayi Mahere (@advocatemahere) 1 декабря 2017 г.
We want a constitutional democracy governed by a competent, professional, qualified, visionary and diverse team of people who have Zimbabwe at heart. Kwete izvi.
Asante sana.
Beside the fact that I blame you for all that #ZanuPF did to #Zimbabwe I have to side with you on this one @ProfJNMoyo. #Zimbabwe is a military state by definition and everyday #Mnangagwa is showing it. I am now going back to the mantra "The enemy of my enemy is my friend"
— Melody Chakatsva (@melodychakatsva) 1 декабря 2017 г.
It only seemed like freedom when the war veterans and the military invited Zimbabweans onto the streets on 18 November.
— ZUNDE Zimbabwe (@zundezim) 1 декабря 2017 г.
Rest assured the junta will not allow opposition demonstrations and rallies leading up to next year's elections.@Wamagaisa @TrevorNcube @wilfmbanga @ZimbabweCN pic.twitter.com/3pWRqiIDgd
..the scariest part of this whole announcement is the inclusion of the military in cabinet. So Maj Gen SB Moyo is now Minister Of Foreign Affairs. He applied for the job? Do u see what i’m seeing here? #Zimbabwe #CabinetZW pic.twitter.com/yEShkyTghB
— A_D_ (@lovechildZW) 30 ноября 2017 г.
You thought Zimbabwe's new President Mnangagwa was a reformist? Think again! Appointed Senior Military figures to 'ARMY' Cabinet.
— The Muthoka® (@MuthokaTito) 1 декабря 2017 г.
1). General Moyo — Foreign Minister
2). Air Marshal Shiri —Lands Minister
3). Mutsvangwa — Information Minister
4). Matemadanda — Security D. Minister
Zimbabwe is officially a MILITARY state! Biggest winners in Mnangagwa's new government is the ARMY. Biggest losers are the PEOPLE of Zimbabwe. How are we supposed to have faith in a bunch of recycled garbage that's responsible for running down our economy in the first place?
— Ntungamili Nkomo (@ntungab) 30 ноября 2017 г.
