Zimbabwe president appoints new army chief amid ruling party infighting

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed a new army chief ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations on Monday called by a one-time veteran of his ruling ZANU-PF party.

Major-General Emmanuel Matatu was named commander of the Zimbabwe National Army with immediate effect, according to an announcement by the ministry of information.

The president faces the most intense challenge to his authority since taking power in a coup eight years ago, with infighting in his ruling party and public anger over a failing economy.

On Tuesday he demoted army chief Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe to the less influential post of minister of sports, arts and culture.