Zimbabwe President replaces army chief amid tensions

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday, March 28, 2025, appointed a new army chief.

This comes ahead of planned protests on Monday, called by a group of war veterans who want to force the president to resign.

According to the BBC, the former major general, Emmanuel Matutu, takes over with immediate effect.

Major-General Emmanuel Matatu is now the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).

He has thus been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General. Matatu replaces Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe.

President Mnangagwa has faced calls from his former supporters to step down.

They accuse him of exacerbating the country’s economic crisis and attempting to extend his rule beyond 2028.

Mnangagwa has denied these allegations and warned against efforts to “disturb our peace.” ​

Earlier this week Mnangagwa abruptly retired his army chief, Lt Gen Anselem Sanyatwe, appointing him minister for sports, arts and culture.

This follows Kirsty Coventry’s departure to serve as President of the International Olympic Committee.

Due to his ruthless reputation, Emmerson Mnangagwa goes by the nickname “The Crocodile”.

He became president in 2017 following a coup against long-time leader Robert Mugabe.

Mnangagwa is currently serving his second and final term, which expires in 2028.

Trouble began brewing during rallies of the governing Zanu-PF party last year after reports that Mnangagwa wanted to stay in office.

Despite a recent assurance from Mnangagwa that he did intend to step down in three years, many remain unconvinced.

The criticism about his leadership from within his party and accusations that he intends to cling to power evoked memories.

It evoked memories of the lead-up to the coup that toppled Mugabe.

While it’s not clear how much public support the veterans have for their planned protests, the security minister has warned Zimbabweans against taking part in the demonstrations.

The police have announced a four-day ban around the capital on the carrying of weapons or any instruments that can be used to cause violence.

Analysts suggest that these recent appointments and reshuffles within the security sector are part of Mnangagwa’s strategy.

This strategy they say, is to solidify his control over the military and safeguard against potential coups.

It comes especially given the influence of war veterans and military figures like Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. ​

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