Mnangagwa Risks Ouster Over Constitution Manipulation as ZANU-PF Pushes Term Extension
Harare, Zimbabwe – President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing mounting resistance within Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF and beyond, as his controversial bid to extend his rule until 2030 has sparked outrage over allegations of constitutional mutilation. The move, now in its implementation phase, has exposed deep fractures within the party and intensified speculation that Mnangagwa’s grip on power is rapidly weakening.
Mnangagwa’s Constitutional Gamble
ZANU-PF has escalated its push for a Constitutional Amendment that would delay the 2028 elections by two years—effectively extending Mnangagwa’s term without public consent. The party, which passed this resolution during its 21st Annual National People’s Conference in Bulawayo, is now executing it through Parliament, sidestepping a referendum.
“There is no going back in implementing the resolution,” declared ZANU-PF National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, signaling that the party has already instructed Parliament to proceed with the amendment.
Harare Provincial Chairman Godwills Masimirembwa further claimed that the extension does not interfere with Zimbabwe’s constitutional term limits since it merely postpones elections rather than granting Mnangagwa an additional term. However, legal experts and opposition leaders argue that this is an outright subversion of the Constitution, designed to entrench Mnangagwa in power beyond his mandated two terms.
Growing Resistance from ZANU-PF and the Military
Despite party officials insisting on the legitimacy of this move, dissent is rapidly growing within ZANU-PF, the military, and war veterans—three critical pillars that historically determine Zimbabwe’s leadership transitions.
Recent public appearances and political maneuvers by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga have fueled speculation that the military might be positioning itself to challenge Mnangagwa’s rule. Last week, Chiwenga’s grand entrance at the National Heroes Acre—where a massive crowd erupted in chants of a pro-opposition Nelson Chamisa song—was interpreted as a powerful statement that Mnangagwa’s authority is under siege.
Analysts now warn that Zimbabwe is on the verge of a political showdown, with Chiwenga emerging as the key alternative power center.
Virtual House Arrest? Mnangagwa’s Movements Under Scrutiny
Rumors have intensified that Mnangagwa is under virtual house arrest, with increasing reports that he is heavily guarded inside his roaming motorcade, unable to move freely due to security concerns.
While government officials have dismissed such claims as “opposition propaganda,” a closer look at the president’s recent public engagements suggests heightened security measures and a reduction in unscripted appearances—a sign that he may no longer be fully in control.
Political insiders reveal that Mnangagwa’s declining influence within ZANU-PF has driven him into a defensive posture, relying on an ever-tightening inner circle as pressure mounts from both the military and key party figures.
Chiwenga’s Power Play: A Silent Coup in Motion?
Sources indicate that Chiwenga, a former military commander who led the coup against Robert Mugabe in 2017, is now maneuvering behind the scenes to challenge Mnangagwa’s legitimacy. If he consolidates military and party support, Mnangagwa’s position could become untenable within weeks, if not days.
A recent public poll on Mnangagwa’s political survival paints a grim picture for the embattled leader:
• 61% believe he will last only three days once military backing shifts fully to Chiwenga.
• 18% predict a three-week survival period.
• 14% give him at most three months.
• Only 7% think he could remain in power for another three years.
These statistics underscore the widespread belief that Mnangagwa is running out of time.
Fallout from Mnangagwa’s Alleged Plans to Fire Chiwenga
Adding to the tension is speculation that Mnangagwa intends to dismiss Chiwenga in a desperate attempt to neutralize his growing influence. However, such a move could backfire catastrophically, accelerating Mnangagwa’s downfall rather than securing his position.
The president’s recent warnings that anyone attempting to replace him “must go through the death row” or “take poison first” suggest that he recognizes the existential threat posed by Chiwenga and is bracing for a last-ditch battle.
War Veterans Join the Resistance
The once-loyal war veterans’ association, which played a pivotal role in bringing Mnangagwa to power in 2017, has now openly questioned his leadership. Their recent challenge to Mnangagwa and controversial businessman Maxwell Chikumbutso suggests that the faction is preparing to withdraw support altogether.
The veterans have raised several key demands, including:
1. Proof that Mnangagwa was poisoned in 2017, a claim he has often used to justify political purges.
2. Evidence that Chikumbutso’s “endless electricity” invention is legitimate and not a scam.
3. Clarification on why Mnangagwa appointed convicted armed robber Paradzayi Kutyauripo to a government position.
4. An explanation of when Mnangagwa allegedly ceased working for the Rhodesian security services.
These pointed questions indicate that Mnangagwa’s long-standing allies are now turning against him, further weakening his position.
The Unfolding Coup: Will Mnangagwa Survive?
The current political climate bears striking similarities to the events leading up to Robert Mugabe’s 2017 ouster. If Mnangagwa has truly lost the support of the military and party elites, his removal could be swift and decisive, much like Mugabe’s.
While Mnangagwa’s inner circle insists he remains in control, opposition leaders and independent observers believe Zimbabwe is on the brink of another leadership shake-up.
What’s Next?
With constitutional amendments underway, military tensions rising, and war veterans distancing themselves from Mnangagwa, the next few weeks could determine Zimbabwe’s political future.
Three potential scenarios could unfold:
1. Mnangagwa successfully pushes through the constitutional amendment and clings to power until 2030.
2. Chiwenga consolidates military and party control, forcing Mnangagwa to resign or flee.
3. A negotiated transition emerges, allowing a compromise leadership shift without a full-scale coup.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: Zimbabwe is entering a new era of political uncertainty.
Is This the End for Mnangagwa?
For now, Mnangagwa faces his biggest political crisis since taking power in 2017. His bid to manipulate the Constitution to extend his rule has sparked internal rebellion, alienated key allies, and emboldened his political enemies.
With Zimbabweans already predicting his imminent downfall, the country could soon witness a dramatic shift in leadership—whether through a coup, a backroom deal, or an unprecedented resignation.
As the crisis deepens, all eyes are on Harare to see if Mnangagwa can survive—or if history is about to repeat itself.