Zimbabwe's President Mnangagwa Appoints New Army Chief Amid Political Unrest

Facing rising pressure from former supporters to resign, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa appoints a new army chief, Emmanuel Matatu, amid fears of unrest and calls for protests scheduled for Monday.

Zimbabwe's political tensions surged this week as President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed a new army chief, Emmanuel Matatu, in response to mounting pressure and planned protests by a coalition of war veterans seeking his resignation. Matatu, who takes over immediately, is a former major general and is known for his loyalty to the current leadership within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF).

This shake-up comes on the heels of Mnangagwa’s unexpected retirement of longtime army chief, Lt Gen Anselem Sanyatwe, transferring him to a ministerial position overseeing sports, arts, and culture. At 72, Matatu, a veteran of the 1970s liberation struggle, embodies a significant aspect of Zimbabwe's political history, having trained with the Zipra, a group that opposed white-minority rule.

The political maneuvering appears to be an effort by Mnangagwa to solidify his control over the military, temporarily paving the way for peace amid calls from war veterans for Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga to assume the presidency. Despite assurances from Mnangagwa that he will not seek to extend his presidency beyond 2028, many remain skeptical regarding his intentions.

As tensions simmer, the police issued warnings about participation in the upcoming demonstrations, while a four-day ban has been placed on carrying weapons in the capital. Public support for the planned protests remains unclear, but the state has taken steps to ensure order in anticipation of rising discontent.