By Political Reporter — The Zanu-PF Bulawayo Conference has marked a turning point in Zimbabwe’s political trajectory, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa faces intensifying pressure from Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his powerful military allies to abandon his long-term 2030 Vision.
This shift signals that Chiwenga may indeed emerge as Zimbabwe’s next president by 2028.
Mnangagwa, whose ambitions included potentially serving beyond 2028, was forced to publicly announce his commitment to step down, citing adherence to constitutional limits.
The announcement, lauded by Zanu-PF’s Secretary for Legal Affairs Patrick Chinamasa, is seen by insiders as a reluctant concession, following an ultimatum from Chiwenga’s faction that recalled the events of 2017 when the military intervened to topple Robert Mugabe.
The conference, held against a backdrop of brewing discontent and factional rifts, saw Mnangagwa’s loyalists rally for constitutional amendments to extend his term.
However, Chiwenga’s military-backed faction thwarted these efforts, even going so far as to threaten a repeat of the 2017-style intervention should Mnangagwa attempt to cling to power.
Chiwenga’s influence was underscored as he, alongside allies like Zimbabwe National Army commander Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, resisted the pro-Mnangagwa “ED 2030” campaign.
Political analysts highlight that Mnangagwa’s “strategic retreat” underscores a deeper power struggle within Zanu-PF.
The Bulawayo conference has exposed the intense rivalry, with Mnangagwa’s camp losing ground while Chiwenga gains momentum.
Chiwenga’s faction has systematically sidelined Mnangagwa, culminating in Mnangagwa’s “constitutional” commitment to step down after his current term.
The military’s maneuvers appear to position Chiwenga to assume the presidency in 2028.
Military insiders claim Mnangagwa’s clout waned as his reliance on the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) for electoral manipulation alienated the army, traditionally the dominant force in securing Zanu-PF victories.
The recent resistance to Mnangagwa’s 2030 vision—intensified by incidents such as the White City Stadium grenade attack in 2018 and a presidential helicopter crash earlier this year—suggests a carefully orchestrated strategy by Chiwenga’s allies to undermine Mnangagwa’s authority.
Chiwenga’s camp, emboldened by their victory in Bulawayo, view Mnangagwa’s retreat as final, while Mnangagwa’s supporters insist that the 2030 vision remains viable for future use.
This power struggle has left Zimbabwe on edge, as the military’s influence within Zanu-PF again seems poised to decide the nation’s leadership.