MNANGAGWA’S POWER PLAY HITS A WALL AS CHIWENGA PUSHES BACK

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa faces a tough road as he tries to stay in power beyond his 2028 constitutional limit. His plan to extend his rule to 2030 is unraveling, largely due to pressure from his Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga. According to a senior Zanu PF official, who is close to the core leadership, Chiwenga’s stance is making Mnangagwa’s position shaky. Chiwenga has become a looming threat, reminding the president of the risks of pushing for an extended stay in office.

Chiwenga is seen as holding the “sword of Damocles” over Mnangagwa’s head, meaning he’s a constant and immediate danger to the president’s plan. At a recent Zanu PF conference in Bulawayo, Mnangagwa privately assured Chiwenga that he would not extend his rule. In public, Mnangagwa calls himself a “constitutionalist” and says he will not cling to power. But his allies and supporters are still actively campaigning for him to stay on.

Mnangagwa and his supporters managed to secure a resolution at the Zanu PF conference that would let him hang onto power. This resolution includes a plan to amend the constitution to allow him to stay in office until 2030. Yet, Patrick Chinamasa, the Zanu PF legal affairs secretary, says Mnangagwa himself has to approve this plan. Without his approval, the resolution won’t go anywhere. In fact, Chinamasa hinted that the process to change the constitution would be almost impossible, comparing it to climbing Mount Everest. For the plan to succeed, two national referenda would be needed, making it a huge task.

The official also said Mnangagwa is deeply worried about what might happen after he retires. His past actions, such as abuses of office, human rights violations, and corruption, may catch up with him. As a former enforcer of Robert Mugabe’s rule, Mnangagwa now finds himself facing the same challenges in his own administration. Retirement could bring these issues to light in a way that worries him and his supporters.

The relationship between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga is complex. Chiwenga and his faction, backed by the military, are reminding Mnangagwa of how he came to power—through military support. They are suggesting that he could be removed in the same way if he tries to extend his rule or stands in the way of Chiwenga’s ambitions. Chiwenga’s faction believes they should have a chance to lead as well, given their role in bringing Mnangagwa to power. This tension is creating a split within Zanu PF, with Chiwenga and his supporters openly challenging Mnangagwa’s plans.

Mnangagwa’s supporters, on the other hand, are determined to keep him in power. They argue that his leadership is still needed for the country. However, this view is not shared by everyone in Zanu PF, especially not by those in Chiwenga’s camp. Chiwenga has a strong influence in the military, which gives him an edge. The military played a key role in putting Mnangagwa in power after Mugabe’s exit, and Chiwenga’s backers believe they can have the same influence again if needed.

As the 2027 congress approaches, Zanu PF may face a big internal fight. If Mnangagwa insists on staying, Chiwenga’s faction could push for a new candidate or even take matters into their own hands. This struggle could lead to a major showdown in the party, with the potential to destabilize the government. For Mnangagwa, the stakes are high. If he loses, his legacy and future are uncertain, especially with his record of alleged abuses. Chiwenga’s threat looms large, making it clear that Mnangagwa’s attempt to extend his rule is facing serious resistance.

In short, Mnangagwa’s plan to remain in power is far from certain. With Chiwenga standing firm, the path to a longer presidency seems difficult, if not impossible. The two leaders are locked in a battle of influence, with Chiwenga’s camp showing no signs of backing down. Mnangagwa may publicly say he will step aside, but actions from his allies suggest otherwise. Only time will tell if he can navigate this challenge or if Chiwenga’s pressure will prove too much.

The future of Zimbabwe’s leadership may well depend on the outcome of this power struggle within Zanu PF. With so much at stake, the question remains: will Mnangagwa’s allies succeed in their campaign, or will Chiwenga’s faction bring about a new era of leadership? For now, the political battle continues, with both sides showing no signs of compromise.