In a dramatic move ahead of the highly anticipated 31 March protests, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has retired Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander Lieutenant-General (Rtd) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe.
The president reassigned him as Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. This move comes amid rising political tensions and growing opposition calls for Mnangagwa’s resignation.
Cabinet Reshuffle and Its Political Implications
The announcement, delivered by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr. Martin Rushwaya, also confirmed the removal of Kirsty Coventry from the ministry following her election as the first female President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, political analysts suggest that the timing of Sanyatwe’s reassignment reveals a deeper strategy aimed at consolidating power and neutralising internal threats within the security sector.
Neutralising Military Dissenters Ahead of 31 March?
According to Zim Eye, insiders familiar with top government talks reveal that Mnangagwa aims to sideline potential dissenters from crucial military roles amid rising concerns over civil unrest.
General Sanyatwe, a close ally of Vice-President General Constantino Chiwenga, has been instrumental in shaping military operations, including his controversial role in the post-election crackdown of August 2018. His sudden transfer to a civilian post just days before a mass opposition-led demonstration signals growing concerns within Mnangagwa’s administration over possible fractures in military loyalty.
A government insider revealed, “This is not merely a cabinet reshuffle; it is a calculated move to weaken Chiwenga’s influence within the army and ensure absolute loyalty from the military in the event of widespread unrest,” reports Zim Eye.
The Looming 31 March Protests
The removal of Sanyatwe underscores the rising stakes ahead of the 31 March protests, which opposition groups and civil society organizations have dubbed the “final push” against Mnangagwa’s rule. By strategically sidelining potential dissenters within the security forces, political analysts believe Mnangagwa is seeking to prevent any reluctance within the military ranks when responding to civil disobedience.
What do you think about the highly anticipated protests in Zimbabwe on 31 March?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
