Crossword Genius

Politician flanked by two African warriors (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

impi

'african warriors' is the definition.
(term for a group of Zulu warriors)

'politician flanked by two' is the wordplay.
'politician' becomes 'MP' (Member of Parliament).
'flanked by' indicates putting letters inside (other letters go on other side).
'two' becomes 'II' (Roman numerals).
'mp' placed inside 'ii' is 'IMPI'.

(Other definitions for impi that I've seen before include "Zulu warrior tribe" , "Old warriors" , "Band of Zulu warriors" , "African warriors" , "Regiment of Zulu warriors" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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