POWER GAMES 2030: OPPOSITION UNEXPECTEDLY BACKS MNANGAGWA’S LONG RULE

Zimbabwe’s political landscape took a dramatic turn today as opposition figure Sengezo Tshabangu effectively endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial bid to extend his rule to 2030. Speaking to 300 MPs and senators at Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm in Kwekwe, Tshabangu, the self-imposed secretary-general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), said Mnangagwa’s continued leadership could remain if it brought happiness to Zimbabweans.

The announcement came to loud cheers and applause from the gathered legislators, including ruling Zanu PF members. Mnangagwa and Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda smiled and clapped as Tshabangu stated that the opposition would support extending Mnangagwa’s term if it aligned with the nation’s interests.

This endorsement follows the opposition’s recent suggestion to postpone the 2028 general elections to 2030. The delay, they argued, would allow for reforms and give Mnangagwa time to complete his development projects. This effectively guarantees Mnangagwa support from parliament, uniting the opposition and ruling party on an agenda that bypasses the constitutional two-term limit.

Mnangagwa, now 81, has styled himself as a modern-day Munhumutapa, invoking the legacy of ancient Shona emperors. His September 15 birthday has been declared Munhumutapa Day, further bolstering his image as an imperial leader. The farm visit today showcased his agricultural success, positioning him as both a political and farming role model.

Precabe Farm has become a hub for Mnangagwa’s political activities, including Zanu PF strategy meetings and even government business. From this base, Mnangagwa has orchestrated his plan to secure an extended stay in power, supported by his party and now parts of the opposition.

While Mnangagwa pushes forward, he faces fierce resistance within his party. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his military-backed faction of Zanu PF oppose the plan. Chiwenga, a key figure in the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power, was expected to take over after Mnangagwa’s first term. However, Mnangagwa’s decision to hold onto power and seek further extensions has deepened divisions within the party.

Zanu PF’s endorsement of Mnangagwa’s 2030 bid at its conference last October reflected internal discord. Though the resolution supported Mnangagwa’s plan, it also highlighted the need for his explicit approval to move forward. The uneasy alliance between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga now teeters on the edge, with both sides locked in a power struggle.

To extend his term, Mnangagwa must navigate constitutional hurdles. Zimbabwe’s constitution requires a referendum to remove term limits. Even if successful, another referendum would be needed to repeal the provision that prevents the incumbent from benefiting from term limit removal during their tenure.

Today’s events at Precabe Farm show that Mnangagwa is steadily building political momentum for his 2030 project. By rallying MPs, including opposition figures like Tshabangu, he is laying the groundwork to amend the constitution or pass laws necessary for his plan. However, the legal and political challenges ahead are immense, and the opposition from Chiwenga’s faction threatens to derail Mnangagwa’s ambitions.

The 2030 bid underscores the deepening tensions within Zimbabwe’s ruling elite. Mnangagwa’s determination to remain in power pits him against his coup allies, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation. As the country watches, the battle for Zimbabwe’s political future intensifies, with far-reaching implications for democracy and stability.

With Tshabangu’s support and the ruling party’s backing, Mnangagwa appears closer than ever to securing his extended term. However, the cracks within Zanu PF and the looming legal obstacles suggest that the path to 2030 will be anything but smooth. The coming months will reveal whether Mnangagwa’s bold gamble succeeds or if it sparks a deeper political crisis in Zimbabwe.