Junta Kicks Mnangagwa Out, Anoints Chiwenga
27 October 2024
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By Political Reporter — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has abandoned his bid for a 2030 vision, succumbing to military pressure in favour of his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is expected to take over in 2028.

In a decisive announcement on Saturday, Mnangagwa confirmed he would not pursue office beyond 2028, despite proposals from the party’s 10 provincial branches advocating for his leadership through 2030.

This declaration signals the conclusion of Zanu PF’s fraught succession debate, with Chiwenga and his military allies emerging as the clear victors.

Mnangagwa’s commitment to adhering to constitutional limits was made during the closing of the 21st Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference in Bulawayo.

He underscored his dedication to the Constitution, which he played a key role in drafting, highlighting his decision to step down as a principled choice. 

Presenting the party’s resolutions, Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, relayed Mnangagwa’s stance, stating, “His Excellency had a hand in the drafting of the current Constitution. He is a constitutionalist and has made it clear that he will abide by its provisions, with no intention of serving beyond 2028.”

Behind the scenes, however, the transition reflects a power struggle that has increasingly divided Zanu PF. 

Reports indicate that Chiwenga had issued a stern warning to Mnangagwa, cautioning him against “clinging to power” as former President Robert Mugabe had.

Insiders reveal that Chiwenga’s ultimatum suggested that any attempt to overstay his welcome could result in a similar fate to Mugabe’s forced exit in 2017. 

This internal friction placed intense pressure on Mnangagwa to abandon his bid for an extended presidency.

Just days before Mnangagwa’s announcement, senior party officials and influential provincial leaders like Harare’s Godwills Masimirembwa rallied behind the 2030 agenda, calling for constitutional amendments to allow for a third term or even indefinite rule. 

Their support for Mnangagwa highlighted the polarized views within Zanu PF, sidelining succession conversations and escalating tensions with Chiwenga’s camp. 

In response to these calls, Mnangagwa urged for “unity and discipline” at the conference, though his message appeared to carry an undercurrent of concern over factionalism within the party.

Chiwenga’s supporters, already frustrated by Mnangagwa’s extended ambitions, have reportedly escalated discussions around possible countermeasures, invoking memories of the 2017 military intervention that unseated Mugabe.

Analysts observed that while Mnangagwa’s 2030 vision seemed to gain symbolic support at the conference, it ultimately served to delay rather than resolve succession plans, leaving Zimbabwe’s political landscape on precarious footing.

The conference’s conclusion has amplified factional whispers within Zanu PF, with speculation that Chiwenga may onceagain leverage his military connections to prevent Mnangagwa from extending his rule. 

As party members and analysts assess this latest development, the spotlight remains on whether Chiwenga will use his influence to shape Zimbabwe’s future once more, affirming his position as the party’s next leader in 2028.