Zimbabwe opened a sports job when Kirsty Coventry became the first woman and first African elected as International Olympic Committee president. The government gave no clear reason for moving army chief Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe into this role during increased political tensions before the 2028 elections. Martin Rushwaya, chief secretary to the president, announced that President Mnangagwa immediately removed Sanyatwe from military service and the army commander position.
Sanyatwe brings a complicated history to his new job as sports minister. The 69-year-old previously commanded the presidential guard and served as Zimbabwe's ambassador to Tanzania. The United States placed sanctions on him for human rights violations during the 2018 post-election protests, during which at least six people died. The UK government froze his assets in 2021. Former president Joe Biden lifted the US sanctions earlier in 2024.
His removal happened during increasing government crackdowns and economic problems many blame on corruption. Police recently arrested a journalist who interviewed Blessed Geza, a ruling party veteran who supports Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Political analyst Eldred Masunungure believes Sanyatwe lost his job because Mnangagwa fears mutiny. He called it part of the coup-proofing targeting military members who might support Geza, a veteran from Zimbabwe's independence struggle.
Masunungure warned this move creates political risks and can backfire. President Mnangagwa came to power through a military coup against Robert Mugabe in 2017. His party has controlled Zimbabwe for over forty years. Western nations briefly hoped for improvements after Mnangagwa took office. However, these countries and rights groups say Zimbabwe continues to suppress opposition voices and public protests.
Sanyatwe brings a complicated history to his new job as sports minister. The 69-year-old previously commanded the presidential guard and served as Zimbabwe's ambassador to Tanzania. The United States placed sanctions on him for human rights violations during the 2018 post-election protests, during which at least six people died. The UK government froze his assets in 2021. Former president Joe Biden lifted the US sanctions earlier in 2024.
His removal happened during increasing government crackdowns and economic problems many blame on corruption. Police recently arrested a journalist who interviewed Blessed Geza, a ruling party veteran who supports Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Political analyst Eldred Masunungure believes Sanyatwe lost his job because Mnangagwa fears mutiny. He called it part of the coup-proofing targeting military members who might support Geza, a veteran from Zimbabwe's independence struggle.
Masunungure warned this move creates political risks and can backfire. President Mnangagwa came to power through a military coup against Robert Mugabe in 2017. His party has controlled Zimbabwe for over forty years. Western nations briefly hoped for improvements after Mnangagwa took office. However, these countries and rights groups say Zimbabwe continues to suppress opposition voices and public protests.
