Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa dismissed the country's army chief on Tuesday, a move political analysts see as an effort to strengthen his control over the country. The firing of General Anselem Sanyatwe, the second most powerful military leader in Zimbabwe, comes amid growing political unrest and fears of a potential coup.
Mnangagwa, who came to power following a military coup that removed Robert Mugabe in 2017, is facing increasing opposition within his ZANU-PF party. The party, which has ruled Zimbabwe since the country’s independence in 1980, is now witnessing dissent from some war veterans. These veterans, who played a key role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, have called for nationwide protests on March 31, demanding Mnangagwa’s resignation. They accuse him of mismanaging the country's economic crisis and attempting to extend his presidency beyond his current term, which is set to end in 2028.
Mnangagwa has denied the accusations, warning against attempts to disrupt the country's peace during a recent ZANU-PF meeting in Harare. However, political analysts believe he is growing increasingly concerned about his position and has taken steps to shore up his support within the military, police, and intelligence sectors.
The firing of Sanyatwe follows a series of similar reshuffles in recent months. In addition to removing Sanyatwe, Mnangagwa has also dismissed the chief of police and the head of Zimbabwe's intelligence service. Political analyst Eldred Masunungure suggests that these moves are designed to protect Mnangagwa from potential threats, particularly from his former allies who may be plotting against him.
Among the military figures said to be gaining support from the anti-Mnangagwa war veterans is Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a retired general who played a key role in the 2017 coup. Despite the war veterans' declining numbers and advancing age, they remain influential in Zimbabwe’s political scene and have strong ties with security forces.
Sanyatwe, who played a significant role in the 2017 coup and the violent suppression of post-election protests in 2018, has been appointed as Zimbabwe's new sports minister. This reshuffle signals Mnangagwa's efforts to consolidate power ahead of the upcoming protests.
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