In a move that signals his grip on military power, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Emmanuel Matutu as the new army chief, amid growing calls for his resignation from war veterans and former allies dissatisfied with his leadership.
New Army Chief Appointed in Zimbabwe Amidst Rising Unrest
New Army Chief Appointed in Zimbabwe Amidst Rising Unrest
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa takes decisive action as protests loom, marking a turbulent political landscape.
The announcement comes just days before planned demonstrations on Monday, which are fueled by concerns over mismanagement and corruption under Mnangagwa's administration. The new chief, a former major general, assumes his role immediately, following the abrupt retirement of Lt Gen Anselem Sanyatwe, who has been reassigned to a ministerial position focused on sports, arts, and culture.
Nicknamed “The Crocodile” for his politically savvy maneuvers, Mnangagwa has faced increasing pressure both from within his Zanu-PF party and the broader public, amid fears he may attempt to remain in power beyond his term, which ends in 2028. The legitimacy of his recent assurances to step down has been met with skepticism by many.
As sentiment builds against his administration, the security minister has issued warnings against participating in the planned protests, and police have announced a temporary ban on carrying weapons and violent implements in the capital, reflecting the tension permeating Zimbabwe’s current atmosphere. The nation remains on edge as the political drama unfolds.
Nicknamed “The Crocodile” for his politically savvy maneuvers, Mnangagwa has faced increasing pressure both from within his Zanu-PF party and the broader public, amid fears he may attempt to remain in power beyond his term, which ends in 2028. The legitimacy of his recent assurances to step down has been met with skepticism by many.
As sentiment builds against his administration, the security minister has issued warnings against participating in the planned protests, and police have announced a temporary ban on carrying weapons and violent implements in the capital, reflecting the tension permeating Zimbabwe’s current atmosphere. The nation remains on edge as the political drama unfolds.
