Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday appointed a new Army chief ahead of a planned protest that was summoned by a group of veterans who hope to force the president to resign.
The former major general Emmanuel Matutu immediately took over.
President Mnangagwa faces calls from his former supporters to resign due to mismanagement and corruption.
Earlier this week, Mnangagwa suddenly retired Lieutenant Anselem Sanyatwe, the Chief of the Army, to appoint him as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Because of his ruthless reputation, Emmerson Mnangagwa is nicknamed The Crocodile.
He became president in 2017 after opposing the coup of long-time leader Robert Mugabe, and is currently in his second and final term, which expires in 2028.
After reports that Mnangagwa wanted to stay in the office, he started brewing trouble at the Zanu-PF party rally last year.
Although Mnangagwa recently assured that he does intend to resign within three years, many still don’t believe it.
His criticism of his leadership within the party and allegations that he intends to stick to power have raised memories of the leadership of the Mugabe coup.
While it is unclear how supportive the veterans have for the planned protests, the Security Minister warned Zimbabweans not to participate in the demonstrations.
Police have announced a four-day ban around the capital to carry weapons or any tool that can be used to cause violence.
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