A faction associated with Vice President Constantine Chiwenga and the military is demanding that Mnangagwa step down before the month ends, intensifying internal conflicts.
Security organizations have pledged to quell any protests.
What is driving this divide? Mnangagwa, who is 82 years old, has several times—no fewer than five occasions since last year—stated that he will resign once his term concludes in 2028. However, Zanu-PF is moving forward with proposals to alter the Constitution so as to prolong his leadership by an additional two years.
If successful, the polls would be delayed until 2030, enabling Mnangagwa to shape his replacement.
Retired military personnel view this action as an effort to push General Chiwenga out of the running for succession.
In 2017, Mnangagwa ascended to power following a military coup that removed long-standing leader Robert Mugabe, concluding almost forty years of his governance. This rise received support from the armed forces, with Chiwenga being instrumental in facilitating this changeover.
Current situation: ZANU-PF member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who was dismissed from the party on Tuesday, has announced plans for countrywide demonstrations set for March 31, referring to them as an "uprising." After going into hiding following his call for the president's resignation, Geza reappeared online wearing military attire, encouraging citizens to hit the streets in protest.
Authorities detained journalist Blessed Mhlanga after she reported on Geza’s appeals for demonstrations.
State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke dismissed the protests, attributing them to Zimbabweans living overseas and asserting that Mnangagwa continues to enjoy widespread popularity. “...we want to caution you that we are prepared and will be awaiting to address your actions,” he stated.
Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa launched a public attack on Chiwenga at the weekend, calling him “illiterate” and “an electoral liability.”What’s next?Zanu-PF will hold its elective congress in 2027 to determine its next leader ahead of the 2028 general election.
With military support, Chiwenga continues to be a crucial figure in the political succession dynamics.
Experts anticipate that the military will have a crucial impact on determining the party’s upcoming trajectory. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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