In a surprising move, the leader of Zimbabwe has made significant changes to the country’s military leadership just days before anticipated demonstrations. The Zimbabwe President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, recently removed the head of the nation’s army from his post and reassigned him to a civilian role, sparking widespread speculation about the motives behind this decision. This development comes at a time of heightened political tension, with war veterans and other groups planning protests to demand Mnangagwa’s resignation.
The reassigned official, Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe, previously held one of the most powerful positions in Zimbabwe’s security forces. Known for his key role in the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power, Sanyatwe has now been appointed as the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture. This shift follows the vacancy left by Kirsty Coventry, who recently stepped down after being elected president of the International Olympic Committee. While the government has not provided detailed reasons for the reassignment, analysts suggest it may be a strategic effort by the Zimbabwe President to tighten his grip on power amid growing unrest.
Army Chief’s New Role: A Strategic Demotion?
The transition of the army chief from a military stronghold to a civilian ministry has raised eyebrows across the nation. Political observers view this as a calculated move by Mnangagwa to neutralize potential threats within the armed forces. Sanyatwe, a close ally of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga—who also played a pivotal role in the 2017 coup—has been linked to factions opposing Mnangagwa’s leadership. By placing him in a less influential position, the Zimbabwe President may be aiming to weaken any support for dissent within the military ranks.
This reshuffle is not an isolated incident. In recent months, Mnangagwa has replaced other high-ranking security officials, including the heads of the police and intelligence services. These actions signal a broader effort to consolidate authority as he faces mounting criticism over economic struggles and allegations of corruption.
Protests on the Horizon
The timing of this military shake-up is critical. A group of independence war veterans, once staunch supporters of Mnangagwa, have called for nationwide protests scheduled for March 31. They accuse the Zimbabwe President of mismanaging the economy and attempting to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional limit of 2028. The veterans, who hold significant sway in Zimbabwean politics due to their historical ties to the liberation struggle, are reportedly backing Chiwenga as a potential successor. This growing opposition has fueled speculation that Mnangagwa is preemptively restructuring the military to safeguard his position.
What’s Next for Zimbabwe?
As the country braces for the planned demonstrations, the reassignment of the army chief adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile political landscape. The Zimbabwe President’s decision could either stabilize his administration or provoke further unrest, depending on how the military and public respond. With elections looming in 2028 and internal divisions within the ruling ZANU-PF party deepening, Mnangagwa’s leadership faces a critical test.
For now, the nation watches closely as the former army chief steps into his new role and the protest deadline approaches. Whether this move strengthens Mnangagwa’s hold on power or exposes vulnerabilities remains to be seen.