Emmanuel Matatu: Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa names new army chief

It comes ahead of planned protests by a group of war veterans who want Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign.

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The former major general, Emmanuel Matatu, 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.

Hailing from Mnangagwa's home province of Midlands, Matatu, reportedly 72 years old, is not a well-known figure but his profile and age strongly suggest that he has been appointed to warm the chair during a volatile transition, according to political scientist Eldred Masunungure.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0j01jgqk9o

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