By A Correspondent | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has arrived in Tanzania to chair an extraordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC). But the burning question remains: What is Mnangagwa really doing in Tanzania?

At first glance, the purpose of his visit seems clear—leading the SADC Double Troika in high-stakes negotiations to address the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Alongside Kenyan President William Ruto, who chairs the EAC, Mnangagwa is overseeing efforts to persuade warring factions to lay down arms and restore peace in the mineral-rich but war-ravaged eastern DRC.

However, is there more to Mnangagwa’s presence in Tanzania than meets the eye?

Diplomacy or Strategic Influence?

Mnangagwa’s role as chairperson of SADC places him at the center of one of Africa’s most complex conflicts, but some analysts question whether Zimbabwe’s leader is simply fulfilling a diplomatic duty or positioning himself as a key regional powerbroker.

This joint summit—an unprecedented meeting between SADC and EAC—signals a shift in Africa’s approach to conflict resolution. The deteriorating security situation in the DRC, worsened by alleged Rwandan support for the M23 rebels, has drawn in multiple regional actors, each with their own interests. Mnangagwa’s leadership in this forum raises questions about Zimbabwe’s own geopolitical ambitions.

Could his presence in Tanzania signal Zimbabwe’s growing influence in regional security affairs? Is Mnangagwa leveraging this summit to assert his leadership beyond SADC’s borders?

A Strategic Military Move?

Zimbabwe has historically played a military role in the DRC, having deployed troops under former President Robert Mugabe during the Second Congo War. Now, with SADC’s military mission in the DRC gaining momentum, could Mnangagwa’s involvement be more than just diplomatic?

There are whispers that Zimbabwe might be angling for a stronger military or economic role in the DRC crisis. The mineral wealth of the eastern DRC—home to vast reserves of cobalt, gold, and coltan—has long been a magnet for regional and international powers. Could Mnangagwa’s presence in Tanzania be linked to Zimbabwe’s interests in the DRC’s lucrative resources?

The Rwanda Factor

Another key question looms over Mnangagwa’s mission: how will he handle the delicate issue of Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebels? President Paul Kagame, who is also attending the summit, has repeatedly denied involvement, despite accusations from the DRC government.

Mnangagwa’s challenge is to balance diplomatic neutrality while pushing for a resolution that aligns with SADC’s stance. However, Zimbabwe’s own historical ties with both Rwanda and the DRC complicate matters. Could Mnangagwa be brokering a behind-the-scenes deal between Kinshasa and Kigali?

Possibility of Collusion: A Hidden Agenda?

Adding to the intrigue surrounding Mnangagwa’s visit to Tanzania is the growing speculation about possible collusion with corrupt motives. Tanzania is the same country where convicted and controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has been frequently spotted, raising questions about whether Mnangagwa’s presence in Dar es Salaam is purely diplomatic or linked to clandestine business dealings. Chivayo, known for securing questionable government contracts in Zimbabwe, has reportedly been expanding his network in Tanzania—sparking concerns that his business interests could be intertwined with political maneuvering at the highest levels.

Given the secretive nature of Chivayo’s dealings and his close ties to Zimbabwe’s ruling elite, is it possible that Mnangagwa’s trip to Tanzania involves more than just peace talks? Could high-level corrupt dealings be unfolding under the guise of regional diplomacy? If so, what financial or political benefits might be at play, and who stands to gain?

As Mnangagwa chairs this crucial summit, these unanswered questions add another layer of mystery to his presence in Tanzania, raising concerns that the DRC peace process may be a smokescreen for deeper, undisclosed agendas.

A Bid for Political Legacy?

With his term as SADC chairperson giving him a rare international platform, could Mnangagwa be looking to cement his legacy as a statesman beyond Zimbabwe’s borders? Domestically, his leadership has faced criticism over economic struggles and governance concerns. Successfully steering the DRC peace process could boost his standing both at home and in the region.

What Comes Next?

The outcomes of this summit will determine whether Mnangagwa’s presence in Tanzania is a mere diplomatic duty or part of a larger strategic maneuver. If he manages to push warring factions toward a resolution, he could emerge as a key figure in regional diplomacy. But if the talks fail, the crisis in the DRC could deepen, with dire consequences for the entire Great Lakes region.

For now, as the world watches, the question remains: What exactly is Mnangagwa doing in Tanzania?