By Munacho Gwamanda- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appeared in a rare image with his twin sons, drawing scrutiny as speculation mounts about his long-term plans to remain in power beyond his constitutionally mandated two terms.
Central to these plans, observers believe, is his strategic use of family, particularly his twin sons, Sean and Collins Mnangagwa.
Of the two, Sean has attracted significant attention for his role as a Major in the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) ‘s special Presidential Guard unit.
His military rank, coupled with Mnangagwa’s well-documented reliance on the armed forces to maintain his power, has fueled rumours that Sean could be a key figure in the president’s succession plan.
Mnangagwa, who has relied heavily on the military since his rise to power through a 2017 coup that ousted the late Robert Mugabe, appears to be entrenching his dynasty by positioning his children in influential roles.
While Collins, the other twin, has remained mainly in the business sector, Sean’s presence in the military has sparked speculation about the president’s long game.
Analysts point to Mnangagwa’s close ties with the military as a cornerstone of his governance strategy.
From deploying the army to suppress dissent during post-election violence in 2018 to appointing military loyalists to key government and party positions, Mnangagwa has leveraged the armed forces to secure his rule.
In recent months, whispers about Mnangagwa’s ambition to extend his presidency beyond the two-term constitutional limit have grown louder.
Though his second term has just begun, Mnangagwa has shown little regard for constitutional constraints in the past, and his manoeuvring to consolidate power has become increasingly evident.
Some insiders speculate that he may already be laying the groundwork for Sean’s rise as a potential successor, with the military playing a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transition.
Critics argue that the president’s reliance on military support erodes Zimbabwe’s democratic institutions and sets a dangerous precedent for governance.
“What we’re witnessing is the entrenchment of military rule by proxy,” said a political analyst who requested anonymity. “Mnangagwa is essentially grooming his son within the military, ensuring that the family’s influence continues even after he steps down—if he ever does.”
Sean’s position within the ZNA has also fueled debate about the militarization of politics in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Collins has focused on the family’s business interests, aligning himself with various economic ventures that underscore the Mnangagwa family’s growing financial clout.
While his twin brother’s role may be more overtly political, Collins’ influence in business ensures that the Mnangagwa dynasty remains well-funded and strategically positioned.
Whether Sean’s military career is a stepping stone to the presidency or a strategic move to safeguard the family’s interests, one thing is clear: Mnangagwa is consolidating power for himself and laying the foundation for his family’s long-term dominance in Zimbabwean politics.