Zimbabwe: Mutsvangwa Says Recent Demotion of Army Commander Meant to Weaken Chiwenga

ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa confirmed recent assumptions about President Emmerson Mnangagwa's actions. He said the 'redeployment' of army commander Anselem Sanyatwe aimed to reduce Deputy Constantino Chiwenga's influence in the military.

Sanyatwe was previously the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander. He has now been appointed as Sports Minister, replacing Kirsty Coventry. Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu has taken over his previous role. Matatu is considered a close ally of Mnangagwa and ZDF Commander Valerio Sibanda.

Government communication suggested this change was a promotion. However, power struggles within the ruling party show that Mnangagwa has weakened Chiwenga's influence in the army. Mutsvangwa described last week's announcement as dramatic during a press conference on Tuesday.

He noted that Sanyatwe's immediate retirement and quick swearing-in were strategic moves. These changes aimed to ensure loyalty as protests led by war veteran Blessed Geza approached on March 31. There were concerns that the army might support calls for Mnangagwa’s ouster.

Mutsvangwa stated, "To make sure that the state apparatus was in safe hands, he made dramatic changes." He congratulated the new leaders put in place ahead of March 31.