Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa dismissed a senior army general on Tuesday, in a move seen as part of his efforts to strengthen his hold on power amidst rising fears of a potential coup from former allies.
Mnangagwa, who rose to power following the 2017 military coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, faces increasing dissent within his ZANU-PF party, which has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980. Former war veterans of the country’s independence struggle have called for nationwide protests on March 31 to demand Mnangagwa’s resignation. They accuse him of worsening the country’s economic crisis and seeking to extend his presidency beyond 2028, when his second term ends.
Mnangagwa has denied these claims and warned against efforts to disrupt peace during a ZANU-PF meeting in Harare on Wednesday. However, analysts suggest the president’s recent actions, including military reshuffles, indicate growing concern over his hold on power.
The firing of Anselem Sanyatwe, Zimbabwe’s second most powerful general and head of the army, marks the third such reshuffle in recent months. Mnangagwa had previously removed the chief of police and the head of Zimbabwe’s intelligence service.
Political analyst Eldred Masunungure told Newsday that the changes suggest Mnangagwa is “protecting himself against a potential coup.”
The war veterans, who once supported Mnangagwa, now back Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a former general who played a central role in the 2017 coup and is seen as a rival to Mnangagwa.
Despite their diminishing numbers and advancing age, the war veterans retain significant political influence, especially with their ties to military leaders. Sanyatwe, who played a key role in the 2017 coup and oversaw violent crackdowns during the 2018 election protests, has been appointed Zimbabwe’s new sports minister, replacing Kirsty Coventry, who recently became president of the International Olympic Committee.