Zimbabwe leader Emmerson Mnangagwa fired another top military officer yesterday to strengthen his control, according to many political experts. This move comes as he faces rising threats of possible rebellion from former friends. Mnangagwa grabbed power after the army forced out longtime ruler Robert Mugabe back in 2017. He currently faces growing opposition inside his ZANU-PF party, which has controlled Zimbabwe since it became free from Britain in 1980.
Several fighters from Zimbabwe's freedom struggle have asked for nationwide protests on March 31 to push Mnangagwa out of office. They blame him for making the country's money problems worse and trying to stay president past 2028 when his second term should finish. Mnangagwa says these claims aren't true. He warned against anyone who might "disturb our peace" during a party meeting yesterday in Harare.
Political watchers believe Mnangagwa feels more worried about keeping his job and has tried to protect himself by switching leaders in the army, police, and spy agencies. His removal of Anselem Sanyatwe, the second highest general who ran the army, marks the third major leadership change Mnangagwa has made recently. He also kicked out the police chief and the head of Zimbabwe's secret service.
Expert Eldred Masunungure told a private newspaper that Mnangagwa seemed to be "protecting himself against a potential coup." The freedom fighters who oppose Mnangagwa want Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to replace him. Chiwenga, a retired general, led the takeover that removed Mugabe and serves as second-in-command. Though their numbers shrink as they age, these war veterans still hold much sway in Zimbabwe politics and keep strong ties with security leaders.
Sanyatwe previously headed the presidential guard under Mugabe and helped with the 2017 takeover. He also commanded soldiers who killed six people during election protests in August 2018. Sanyatwe remains close friends with Chiwenga. Mnangagwa has given Sanyatwe a new job as sports minister, replacing Kirsty Coventry, who became president of the International Olympic Committee on March 20.
Several fighters from Zimbabwe's freedom struggle have asked for nationwide protests on March 31 to push Mnangagwa out of office. They blame him for making the country's money problems worse and trying to stay president past 2028 when his second term should finish. Mnangagwa says these claims aren't true. He warned against anyone who might "disturb our peace" during a party meeting yesterday in Harare.
Political watchers believe Mnangagwa feels more worried about keeping his job and has tried to protect himself by switching leaders in the army, police, and spy agencies. His removal of Anselem Sanyatwe, the second highest general who ran the army, marks the third major leadership change Mnangagwa has made recently. He also kicked out the police chief and the head of Zimbabwe's secret service.
Expert Eldred Masunungure told a private newspaper that Mnangagwa seemed to be "protecting himself against a potential coup." The freedom fighters who oppose Mnangagwa want Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to replace him. Chiwenga, a retired general, led the takeover that removed Mugabe and serves as second-in-command. Though their numbers shrink as they age, these war veterans still hold much sway in Zimbabwe politics and keep strong ties with security leaders.
Sanyatwe previously headed the presidential guard under Mugabe and helped with the 2017 takeover. He also commanded soldiers who killed six people during election protests in August 2018. Sanyatwe remains close friends with Chiwenga. Mnangagwa has given Sanyatwe a new job as sports minister, replacing Kirsty Coventry, who became president of the International Olympic Committee on March 20.
