Mnangagwa Sacks Army Chief: Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has taken a drastic step as he sacks army chief Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe ahead of massive anti-government protests scheduled for 31 March 2024. The bold move, viewed by analysts as a desperate attempt to thwart Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s rumored presidential ambitions, has escalated political tensions in the country.
Mnangagwa Sacks Army Chief as Opposition Mobilizes for Nationwide Protests
The Mnangagwa Sacks Army Chief saga comes just days after prominent war veteran Blessed Geza, a staunch Chiwenga supporter, called for mass protests to demand Mnangagwa’s resignation. Geza accuses the 82-year-old leader of corruption, nepotism, and cronyism.
Despite growing discontent, Mnangagwa’s supporters are pushing for the president to extend his stay in power beyond 2028, although he claims he will respect Zimbabwe’s constitution.
Coup-Proofing or Panic? Mnangagwa Sacks Army Chief Linked to Military Shake-Up
Sanyatwe’s sudden removal is seen by observers as part of a broader coup-proofing strategy. The decorated general, who was instrumental in the 2017 coup that toppled Robert Mugabe, has now been redeployed to lead the Ministry of Sports, replacing Kirsty Coventry, who was recently elected IOC President.
Martin Rushwaya, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, announced Sanyatwe’s dismissal after a closed-door meeting at Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm, deepening suspicions of internal instability.
Mnangagwa Sacks Army Chief to Weaken Chiwenga Camp, Analysts Say
Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu has described the Mnangagwa Sacks Army Chief move as a clear demotion, hinting at deepening cracks within the ruling Zanu-PF.
“Sanyatwe’s dismissal is directly linked to factional fights in Zanu-PF and fears of a coup,” Mukundu said. Another expert, Eldred Masunungure, agrees that the military reshuffle is designed to “cut out” potential threats sympathetic to Vice-President Chiwenga and Blessed Geza.
Business Owners Fear Fallout as Unofficial Curfews Follow After Mnangagwa Sacks Army Chief
In Chitungwiza and parts of Harare, business owners have revealed that police are enforcing an unofficial curfew forcing them to close shops by 6 p.m. every day. Many believe this is linked to the anticipated protests.
“We are told to shut down early, yet no official statement has been made,” said a worried nightclub owner. Meanwhile, insiders reveal that Chiwenga’s personal security has been significantly increased following rumors that Mnangagwa may have tried to poison his deputy.
Opposition Backs Protests After Mnangagwa Sacks Army Chief
Promise Mkwananzi, a senior official close to opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, announced that the opposition would fully support the 31 March mass protests.
“We stand behind all efforts to restore democratic order and constitutionalism,” Mkwananzi affirmed.
Adding to Mnangagwa’s troubles, South African political heavyweight Helen Zille has openly called on Zimbabweans to resist the ruling regime.
