Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa just named Major General Emmanuel Matatu to run the army. Many people think he did this because he feared military leaders might try to overthrow him from power. Mnangagwa bumped Matatu up to Lieutenant General as part of the deal. The previous commander, Anselem Sanyatwe, lost his military job Wednesday but strangely became the new Minister of Sport instead.
Sanyatwe takes over from Kirsty Coventry, who made history when she became the first woman ever elected to lead the International Olympic Committee. The government claims everything happened legally, according to Zimbabwe's constitution and defense laws. Martin Rushwaya, who serves as Cabinet Chief Secretary, made these claims about the process being proper.
People who watch Zimbabwe politics closely see things differently. They believe these job changes are connected directly to the power struggle inside the ruling Zanu PF party. Different groups fight for control behind the scenes. These battles shape who gets important jobs and who loses them.
Mnangagwa faces serious pressure from military officers who support Vice President Constantino Chiwenga instead of him. Reports suggest the president responded by firing anyone loyal to his deputy. The president appears worried about keeping control as tensions rise within his government. These leadership changes might signal deeper problems ahead for Zimbabwe.
Sanyatwe takes over from Kirsty Coventry, who made history when she became the first woman ever elected to lead the International Olympic Committee. The government claims everything happened legally, according to Zimbabwe's constitution and defense laws. Martin Rushwaya, who serves as Cabinet Chief Secretary, made these claims about the process being proper.
People who watch Zimbabwe politics closely see things differently. They believe these job changes are connected directly to the power struggle inside the ruling Zanu PF party. Different groups fight for control behind the scenes. These battles shape who gets important jobs and who loses them.
Mnangagwa faces serious pressure from military officers who support Vice President Constantino Chiwenga instead of him. Reports suggest the president responded by firing anyone loyal to his deputy. The president appears worried about keeping control as tensions rise within his government. These leadership changes might signal deeper problems ahead for Zimbabwe.
