Under-fire Zimbabwe president names new army chief

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed a new army chief ahead of planned protests on Monday, called by a group of war veterans who want to force the president to resign.

The former major general, Emmanuel Matutu, takes over with immediate effect.

President Mnangagwa has faced calls from his former supporters to step down citing mismanagement and corruption.

Earlier this week Mnangagwa abruptly retired his army chief, Lt Gen Anselem Sanyatwe, appointing him sports, arts and culture minister.

Due to his ruthless reputation, Emmerson Mnangagwa goes by the nickname “The Crocodile”.

He became president in 2017 following a coup against long-time leader Robert Mugabe, and is currently serving his second and final term, which expires in 2028.

Trouble began brewing during rallies of the governing Zanu-PF party last year after reports that Mnangagwa wanted to stay in office.

Despite a recent assurance from Mnangagwa that he did intend to step down in three years, many remain unconvinced.

The criticism about his leadership from within his party and accusations that he intends to cling to power evoked memories of the lead-up to the coup that toppled Mugabe.

While it’s not clear how much public support the veterans have for their planned protests, the security minister has warned Zimbabweans against taking part in the demonstrations.

The police have announced a four-day ban around the capital on the carrying of weapons or any instruments that can be used to cause violence.