Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Emmanuel Matatu as the country’s new army chief, a move that comes just days before planned protests by war veterans demanding his resignation.
Matatu, a former major general, takes over immediately following the sudden retirement of Lt. Gen. Anselem Sanyatwe, who was reassigned as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture earlier this week.
The appointment comes as Mnangagwa faces mounting pressure from his former allies, who accuse him of mismanagement and corruption. A faction of war veterans leading Monday’s demonstrations has called for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga—who previously led the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF)—to replace Mnangagwa as president.
A Move to Consolidate Control
Matatu, reportedly 72, is a veteran of Zimbabwe’s 1970s liberation war. He trained in Zambia as part of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra), the military wing of Joshua Nkomo’s Zapu party, which later merged with Robert Mugabe’s Zanu to form the ruling Zanu-PF.
His appointment is seen as strengthening the grip of current ZDF commander Philip Valerio Sibanda, another ex-Zipra veteran. Analysts suggest this move reinforces Mnangagwa’s security, as he has greater trust in Sibanda’s leadership.
Political Unrest and Succession Speculation
Mnangagwa, nicknamed “The Crocodile” for his political ruthlessness, took power in 2017 after a military coup ousted longtime ruler Robert Mugabe. Now in his second and final term, set to end in 2028, speculation over his future has fueled tensions within Zanu-PF.
Reports last year suggested he was considering extending his presidency beyond constitutional limits, triggering backlash within the ruling party. Although Mnangagwa recently reassured supporters he would step down in three years, many remain skeptical.
The criticism and internal divisions echo the power struggle that preceded Mugabe’s removal, raising concerns about renewed instability.
Security Clampdown Ahead of Protests
Authorities have issued warnings against participating in Monday’s protests. Zimbabwe’s security minister cautioned citizens against joining demonstrations, while police imposed a four-day ban on carrying weapons or objects that could be used for violence in the capital.
It remains unclear how much public support the war veterans have, but the coming days could prove crucial in shaping Zimbabwe’s political trajectory.