Under mounting pressure from former allies and war veterans calling for his resignation, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Emmanuel Matutu as the country’s new army chief. The move comes just days before planned protests aimed at forcing the president to step down.
Matutu, a former major general, assumes the role with immediate effect following the abrupt retirement of his predecessor, Lt Gen Anselem Sanyatwe. Sanyatwe has since been reassigned as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture. The leadership shakeup within the military has raised speculation that Mnangagwa is consolidating his power in anticipation of potential unrest.
Mnangagwa, who earned the nickname “The Crocodile” due to his political ruthlessness, took over as Zimbabwe’s leader in 2017 after a coup ousted long-time president Robert Mugabe. He is currently serving his second and final term, which is set to expire in 2028. However, speculation about his intentions to extend his rule beyond the constitutional limit has fueled discontent within his ruling Zanu-PF party and among citizens.
Tensions escalated last year during Zanu-PF rallies, where reports emerged that Mnangagwa was considering remaining in power beyond his term. Although the president recently assured Zimbabweans that he plans to step down in three years, skepticism remains high among his critics and former supporters.
The war veterans, historically key allies of Zimbabwe’s leadership, have now turned against Mnangagwa, accusing him of corruption and economic mismanagement. Their planned protests on Monday could be a significant test of his grip on power, evoking memories of the demonstrations that ultimately led to Mugabe’s removal.
In response to the looming protests, Zimbabwe’s security minister has issued a warning against participation, while police have enforced a four-day ban on carrying weapons or any objects that could be used for violence in the capital. The government’s heavy-handed approach signals its concern about the level of support the demonstrations might garner.
As tensions rise, Mnangagwa’s leadership faces a defining moment. Whether he can weather the storm or succumb to internal and external pressure remains to be seen.
