President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has abruptly retired and reassigned Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, the army chief, to the sports ministry.
The unexpected move, announced Tuesday, has sparked speculation amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The president’s chief secretary, Martin Rushwaya, confirmed Sanyatwe’s immediate retirement from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and his new role as Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
Sanyatwe, a former presidential guard commander, previously served as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Tanzania.
The 69-year-old’s past includes US sanctions for human rights violations related to the 2018 post-election crackdown where civilians were killed.
While the US sanctions were lifted in 2024, the UK had also frozen his assets in 2021.
The timing of his removal comes amid increasing reports of government repression and economic hardship.
The reassignment has been interpreted by political analysts as a move to consolidate Mnangagwa’s power.
Analyst Eldred Masunungure suggested it was “coup proofing,” aiming to preempt potential military unrest.
He believes those suspected of supporting Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, reportedly a potential Mnangagwa successor, could be targeted.
Chiwenga’s supporters are currently being targeted by the police.
The analyst warned this action, while strategic, carries significant political risks.
