Mnangagwa names new army commander ahead of planned protests

By Agencies

HARARE: Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu has been appointed as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), replacing Lieutenant General (retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, who has been redeployed to head the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture.

The announcement, made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, comes amid speculation of internal political dynamics within the ruling Zanu PF party and ahead of planned protests on 31 March.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, acting as the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, promoted Major General Emmanuel Matatu to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed him as the ZNA Commander with immediate effect.

The decision was formalised under “section 216(2)” of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as read with “section 89”, alongside “sections 11(1)(a) and 11(4)” of the Defence Act (Chapter 11:02). A statement from Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, confirmed the appointment on 27 March 2025.

Matatu, aged 72, is a seasoned military figure and a former ZPRA (Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army) veteran who played a key role during the liberation struggle.

He attended Thekwane High School in Plumtree and received military training at the Zambian Military Academy, Kohima, alongside Retired Colonel Watson Tshipa. Before this appointment, Matatu served as the ZNA Chief of Staff Administration, a position that gave him significant administrative oversight within the army.

His promotion to Major General came just two years ago, despite being past the typical retirement age for military officers, leading some to speculate that his new role might be a temporary one to stabilise the military leadership.

Sanyatwe’s Redeployment and Political Undercurrents

The appointment follows the abrupt retirement of Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe, who was removed from his position on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, just days before planned protests on 31 March.

Sanyatwe has been reassigned to the civilian role of Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, replacing Kirsty Coventry. Coventry recently made history by becoming the first woman elected as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a milestone that marked the end of her tenure in the Zimbabwean cabinet.

Political analysts suggest that Sanyatwe’s redeployment and Matatu’s appointment may be linked to factional struggles within Zanu PF.

Some commentators believe President Mnangagwa is taking steps to counter a potential military coup, especially given the timing of the reshuffle ahead of the anticipated protests.

The move to place a trusted ex-ZPRA veteran like Matatu in such a critical position could be an attempt to consolidate power and ensure loyalty within the military ranks during a period of political uncertainty.

Who is Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu?

Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu brings a wealth of experience to his new role. As a former ZPRA officer, he has a deep history rooted in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.

His military career spans over four decades, with more than 20 years spent as a Brigadier General before his promotion to Major General in 2023.

Matatu’s long tenure in the ZNA, particularly as Chief of Staff Administration, has equipped him with the skills to manage the army’s operations and personnel effectively.

Despite his experience, Matatu’s age has raised questions about the longevity of his tenure. At 72, he is well beyond the typical retirement age for military officers in Zimbabwe, which is usually around 60.

Some observers have described his appointment as a “stopgap measure,” suggesting that Mnangagwa may be using Matatu’s loyalty and experience to maintain stability while grooming a younger successor for the role.

Implications for Zimbabwe’s Military and Political Landscape

The reshuffle in the ZNA leadership comes at a critical time for Zimbabwe. The planned protests on 31 March are expected to focus on economic challenges, governance issues, and calls for political reform.

The military has historically played a significant role in maintaining order during such events, and Matatu’s appointment could signal a shift in how the government plans to handle potential unrest.

Furthermore, the redeployment of Sanyatwe to a civilian ministry has sparked debate about the militarisation of Zimbabwe’s government.

Over the years, several military figures have been appointed to key civilian positions, a trend that critics argue undermines democratic governance. Sanyatwe’s new role in the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture is seen by some as a strategic move to keep him within the government’s fold while removing him from direct military influence.