ZANU PF spokesman Christopher Mutusvanwa confirmed that it is widely assumed that President Emerson Mnangagwa’s recent “redeployment” Army Commander Anselem Sanyatowe was intended to negate the influence of his deputy Constantino Chiwenga in the military.
Before being appointed Minister of Sports, Sanyatwe was commander of Zimbabwe’s National Army (ZNA) and replaced Kirsty Coventry, the cabinet’s International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidential election.
He was replaced by Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatsu, a “homeboy” of Mnangagwa and is considered to be a close associate of his allied Zimbabwe Defence Force (ZDF) commander, Valerio Sibanda.
Government communications hinted at him being a promotion, but the power struggle within the ruling party shows that Mnangagwa has significantly weakened the influence of his deputy and rival Chiuenga in the Army.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa said last week’s Sanyatwe announced that he had immediately retired, appointed a minister and sworn to be dramatic.
He said it was intended to ensure loyalty as the protests announced by Geza, whom war veterans congratulated on March 31, approached.
The unwritten fear was that the Army would listen to Geza’s call and participate in the expulsion of President Emerson Mnangagwa as requested.
“To ensure that the state’s equipment is safe hands, he (Mnangagwa) has made a dramatic change in its (Army) structure,” Mutsvangwa said.
“I want to congratulate the new leaders set up as we approached March 31st.
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“They have proved their temperament by ensuring they are faithful to the Zimbabwean people. They defend the interests of the Zimbabwean people and adhere to the professional traditions of our national equipment.”
Mutsvangwa has not only the side of the fight of Mnangagwa, but also the desires of the president.
He recently called him daft, ability and evil by a UK-based research publication.
Analysts point out the possibility of another coup as factionalism within the party heats up. Pride Mkono described the appointment of Mnangagwa as a simple coup prevention.
Widely believed to be under Kiewenga’s protection, Geza has been hiding for over three weeks, engulfing the public through social media, launching and dismissing Mnangawa, even before he finishes his second term.
The argument being raised by Geza is that Mnangagwa is corrupted by the elements he holds around him. Zanu PF’s outspoken former Central Committee members, who regularly publish videos, are campaigning for Chiwenga to take over power.
Monday’s protest turned to stay after people made excuses from the fight and chose to watch and follow online. Only about 98 people were arrested for participating in the gathering with the intent to promote violence.
