President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe appointed the nation’s army chief, Anselem Sanyatwe, as sports minister on Tuesday. A statement released by the presidency declared that Sanyatwe had been retired and reapointed to oversee the sports department. This opening was created after Kirsty Coventry’s election to the presidency of the International Olympic Committee this month.

Sanyatwe’s departure as army chief occurs amid a backdrop of escalating political tussles prior to the upcoming general elections scheduled for 2028. Experts suggest that Mnangagwa is possibly taking measures to safeguard himself against a potential uprising. A faction of the ruling Zanu-PF party’s members are advocating for Constantino Chiwenga, Mnangagwa’s deputy, who ousted Robert Mugabe in 2017, to assume the presidency.

Additionally, in recent months, Mnangagwa has made changes to the leadership of both the police and intelligence services.

Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/03/27/zimbabwe-president-removes-army-chief-amid-coup-speculation/