Chiwenga, whose appearance on state television on November 15 preceded armed soldiers taking to the streets, paving the way for Emmerson Mnangagwa to become president, is the latest in a string of military leaders to be elevated to government positions.

Veteran politician Kembo Mohadi will be sworn in as the other vice-president.

The pair, who were appointed by President Mnangagwa, had been elevated to similar positions in the ruling Zanu-PF party on Saturday.

Chiwenga retired from the military this month. His appointment was expected as a reward for leading Mugabe’s overthrow.

This also adds to signs of a consolidation of power for the army since it turned against the 93-year-old Mugabe.

Mnangagwa has appointed several senior military officers to his cabinet and the ruling party’s top decision-making body, the politburo.

The president is under pressure from opposition parties and the public to implement political reforms.