HARARE – Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe, a key operational figure in the 2017 coup that led to the removal of former President Robert Mugabe, has been appointed as the new Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army.
This important appointment was announced in a letter dated October 20, 2021, by Cabinet Chief Secretary Martin Rushwaya.
The announcement read, “His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has, with immediate effect and in terms of section 216(2) as read with sections 89 and 110(2)g of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20), appointed Lieutenant General Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe to the position of Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army.”
This appointment follows the retirement of the outgoing Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General David Sigauke.
Anselem Sanyatwe brief history
General Sanyatwe has re-entered military service after a period of diplomatic service as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Tanzania.
Notably, General Sanyatwe held the position of the commander of the Presidential Guard, responsible for protecting the late President Robert Mugabe until the November 2017 coup.
His career in the military and his role in the 2017 coup make him a significant figure in Zimbabwean politics.
General Sanyatwe is married to Chido Sanyatwe, who holds the position of Deputy Minister of Home Affairs in the Zimbabwean government.
According to sources, his close ties to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga underscore his prominence both professionally and in his private life.
This appointment holds great significance for the leadership and direction of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and will play a crucial role in the nation’s military and political landscape.
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