ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has confirmed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s sudden removal of army commander Anselem Sanyatwe was strategically calculated to diminish Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s military influence.
Sanyatwe, formerly Zimbabwe National Army commander, was appointed Sports Minister, replacing Kirsty Coventry who was recently elected IOC president. Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu, reportedly a Mnangagwa loyalist and close ally of ZDF Commander Valerio Sibanda, took over the army position.
Speaking to journalists Tuesday, Mutsvangwa described last week’s swift changes as “dramatic” and deliberately timed to ensure loyalty ahead of protests announced by war veteran Blessed Geza for March 31.
“To make sure that the state apparatus was in safe hands, he made dramatic changes in its structure,” Mutsvangwa said. “I want to congratulate the new leaders who were put in place as we approached the 31st of March.”
The reshuffling comes amid heightening factionalism within ZANU PF, with Chiwenga and Mnangagwa reportedly at odds. Mutsvangwa, who supports Mnangagwa and harbors his own presidential ambitions, was recently recorded criticizing Chiwenga as “daft, unelectable and evil.”
Political analysts describe Mnangagwa’s appointments as “coup-proofing” measures. Pride Mkono specifically characterized the moves as protective maneuvers against potential military intervention.
Geza, believed to be under Chiwenga’s protection, has been in hiding for weeks while using social media to encourage citizens to rise against Mnangagwa. His videos advocate for Chiwenga to assume power, claiming Mnangagwa has been corrupted by those around him.
Monday’s planned protests transformed into a nationwide stay-away, with approximately 98 people arrested for “gathering with intent to promote violence” while most citizens monitored developments online rather than participating directly.
Despite government communications framing Sanyatwe’s reassignment as a promotion, the timing and nature of the move align with ongoing power struggles as Mnangagwa works to consolidate control by placing trusted allies in key military positions.