ZANU PF DIVIDED: ARMY STEPS IN TO STOP MNANGAGWA THIRD TERM
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hopes of staying in power beyond his current term are in serious trouble. His idea of ruling until 2030, called the “2030 campaign,” has lost support. This was clear at the National Youth Day Commemorations in Bulawayo. When Mnangagwa arrived, people did not sing or chant slogans about “2030” like before. This was not a coincidence. It showed a big shift in power and influence within ZANU PF.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his allies in the military have stood up against Mnangagwa’s plans. They do not want him to run for another term. The army’s position is strong and clear: Mnangagwa should finish his current term and retire in 2028. Chiwenga, known to have close ties with the military, appeared calm and confident at the event. His supporters, including the war veterans, have been pushing hard for Mnangagwa to step down, claiming he has failed as a leader.
For months, Mnangagwa’s backers had been chanting and singing songs about 2030. These songs included popular lines like “2030 ndeya Emmerson.” But now, those songs and chants have disappeared. The crowd at the event cheered Chiwenga instead. This silence on the 2030 campaign showed that Mnangagwa’s support within the party is fading.
Recently, Mnangagwa had been trying to distance himself from the 2030 campaign. He stated several times that he would retire after his current term ends in 2028. Even so, the campaign kept going, led by his most loyal followers. But now, it looks like they have given up. The military’s tough stance has been the deciding factor.
A few days before the event, the army made a strong statement by moving military vehicles into Harare’s streets. This was not a normal military drill. It was a show of power, a clear message to Mnangagwa and his supporters. The army was sending a warning: do not push for a third term. This move has weakened Mnangagwa’s position even further.
The struggle over the 2030 campaign is about more than just one man staying in power. It shows deeper problems inside ZANU PF. Different groups in the party are fighting for control. With Mnangagwa losing support, there may be room for new leaders to rise. Chiwenga, with his strong military connections, is seen by many as the most likely successor. His calm and confident appearance at the Youth Day event signaled that he is ready to take over if necessary.
In conclusion, Mnangagwa’s dreams of ruling until 2030 appear to be over. The army, led by Chiwenga’s influence, has stepped in and put a stop to it. This situation shows how powerful the military is in Zimbabwean politics. For now, the focus will likely shift to who will lead ZANU PF next. Chiwenga seems to be in a strong position, but the internal battle for power is far from over.
Mnangagwa’s loss of support within ZANU PF is no surprise. This 2030 campaign was a desperate, tone-deaf attempt to hold onto power. The fact that he even entertained the idea shows how disconnected he is from Zimbabweans’ struggles.
It’s embarrassing to see Mnangagwa still clinging to dreams of a third term despite his clear failures as a leader. This entire spectacle only highlights the deep divisions and lack of focus in ZANU PF.
The silence at the Youth Day Commemorations wasn’t just a coincidence—it was a rejection of Mnangagwa’s weak leadership. His own party no longer believes in him, and neither should the rest of us. The military stepping in once again shows how flawed Zimbabwe’s political system is. Instead of letting democratic processes decide, the same old power struggles and backroom deals determine the country’s future.