Explosive Statement by Godwin Gomwe Sparks Political Firestorm
Harare – February 1, 2025
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | The outspoken politician Godwin Gomwe has publicly challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa, questioning his role and commitment during the intense political battles that led to the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe. Gomwe’s remarks, delivered in an unfiltered and confrontational tone, have sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
Gomwe, a former ZANU-PF Harare Youth League Chairman, did not hold back as he accused Mnangagwa, widely known by his moniker “Garwe”, of reaping the benefits of sacrifices made by others without having played an active role in the struggle leading to the Second Republic.
Gomwe’s Accusations: Who Really Fought for Mnangagwa?
In his statement, Gomwe recalls how, between 2015 and 2017, he and other youth leaders, along with war veterans such as Chris Mutsvangwa, Douglas Mahiya, Victor Matemadanda, and other former provincial youth chairpersons including Godfrey Tsenengamu, campaigned fiercely for Mnangagwa, risking their political and personal lives in the process.
However, according to Gomwe, their loyalty came at a high cost. He reminds Mnangagwa that many of his early backers were arrested, expelled from the party, and persecuted for supporting him during the tense period before Mugabe’s removal. He further points out that Mnangagwa himself was ultimately fired from both government and the party in 2017, largely because of the campaign efforts waged by these individuals.
“Garwe, you must remember that we campaigned for Mnangagwa from 2015 to 2017, and we were arrested and expelled from the party because of it. Mnangagwa himself was later expelled by Mugabe due to campaigns led by war veterans like Mutsvangwa, Mahiya, Matemadanda, and youth leaders like Tsenengamu and myself—whom you now call demons. Where were you in 2015, Garwe? Why didn’t you tell us to stop campaigning for Mnangagwa when Mugabe was still president?”
A Warning Against “Betrayal”
Gomwe further warns that war veterans and ZANU-PF members are beginning to express their frustrations, just as they did before Mugabe was ousted. He suggests that if Mnangagwa continues to ignore the concerns of those who fought for his rise to power, the ruling party could face internal divisions similar to those that led to the 2017 coup.
“The war veterans are speaking out. Party members are also speaking out. Soon, they will go against the party line. Haven’t they done it before? Wasn’t it their actions that brought the Second Republic? And now, you, Garwe, are the biggest beneficiary of our sacrifice. If it weren’t for people like General Constantino Chiwenga intervening as Commander of the Defense Forces, would this new dispensation you praise so much even exist? And now, you preach loyalty as if you fought for this cause?”
Political Fallout and Implications
This blistering attack from Gomwe raises serious questions about internal fractures within ZANU-PF and growing discontent among the very people who were instrumental in bringing Mnangagwa to power.
His statement exposes tensions between the ruling elite and those who believe they were sidelined after the 2017 power transition. With growing economic hardship, frustration within party structures, and the war veterans increasingly voicing their concerns, this latest outburst could mark the beginning of renewed power struggles within ZANU-PF.
Will Mnangagwa Respond?
So far, there has been no official response from Mnangagwa or the ZANU-PF leadership, but political analysts suggest that Gomwe’s challenge cannot be ignored. The coming weeks could reveal whether this is an isolated act of defiance or the start of a larger rebellion within the party.
One thing is clear: Godwin Gomwe has thrown down the gauntlet, and Zimbabwe’s political arena just became even more unpredictable.
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