Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed General Anselem Sanyatwe, the country’s army chief, as the new Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture. The move comes amid a broader reshuffling of the security sector, raising speculation about its political implications ahead of the 2028 general elections.
A statement from the presidency on Tuesday confirmed that Sanyatwe had been retired from the military and reassigned to lead the sports ministry. His appointment follows the departure of Kirsty Coventry, who stepped down after being elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee’s executive board.
Sanyatwe’s removal as army chief is seen by political analysts as a strategic move by Mnangagwa to consolidate power and prevent a potential challenge from within the ruling Zanu-PF party. His vice president, Constantino Chiwenga, who led the 2017 coup that ousted longtime ruler Robert Mugabe, has strong backing from some party factions pushing for him to succeed Mnangagwa.
In recent months, Mnangagwa has also replaced key figures within the police and intelligence services, a move that analysts believe is intended to strengthen his grip on power and neutralize internal threats.
Sanyatwe, a career military officer, previously served as commander of the Presidential Guard and was sanctioned by the U.S. and U.K. over his alleged role in the deadly post-election violence of 2018, when security forces opened fire on protesters. His appointment to a civilian role signals a shift in Mnangagwa’s handling of key military figures as Zimbabwe’s political landscape remains tense in the lead-up to the 2028 elections.
