By Sekaggya Seka Moses
HARARE, ZIMBABWE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed a new army chief, Emmanuel Matatu, a former major general, amidst growing calls for his resignation. The appointment takes immediate effect.
The move comes ahead of planned protests on Monday, organized by a group of war veterans who are demanding President Mnangagwa’s rresignation
The veterans, who were once loyal supporters of the president, have accused him of mismanagement and corruption.
This development is the latest in a series of changes within the Zimbabwean military. Earlier this week, President Mnangagwa abruptly retired his army chief, Lt Gen Anselem Sanyatwe, and appointed him as the minister of sports, arts, and culture.
According to political scientist Eldred Masunungure, the appointment of Gen Matatu, who is reportedly 72 years old, may be a strategic move to consolidate power.
“He is the fourth commander of the Zimbabwe National Army since Mnangagwa took over less than eight years ago,” Masunungure noted. “It tells a long story of unstable party-military relations.”
Gen Matatu, a veteran of the 1970s liberation war, is seen as a loyalist of the current head of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), Philip Valerio Sibanda. His appointment is likely to be viewed as an attempt to consolidate control of the army.
The faction of war veterans calling for Monday’s protests has called for Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga to take over the presidency.
Chiwenga, a former military leader, was instrumental in the coup that ousted former President Robert Mugabe in 2017.
President Mnangagwa, who has been nicknamed “The Crocodile” due to his reputation for ruthlessness, has faced growing criticism from within his own party. Despite assurances that he intends to step down in 2028, many remain skeptical about his intentions.
The security minister has warned Zimbabweans against participating in the planned protests, and the police have announced a four-day ban on carrying weapons or instruments that could be used to cause violence in the capital.
The protests are expected to draw significant attention, with many Zimbabweans expressing frustration with the country’s economic situation and the government’s handling of it.
As the situation continues to unfold, many are watching closely to see how President Mnangagwa will respond to the growing calls for his resignation.
In a statement, the Zimbabwean government said that the appointment of Gen Matatu was part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s military and improve its ability to respond to security threats.
However, opposition leaders and analysts say that the move is likely an attempt by President Mnangagwa to consolidate power and maintain his grip on the military.
The situation in Zimbabwe remains tense, with many fearing that the protests could turn violent. The international community is calling for calm and restraint, and urging the government to respect the rights of its citizens to peacefully protest.
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