In a dramatic show of defiance, protesters set fire to campaign materials bearing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s image, including T-shirts and scarves, calling for his immediate resignation. The fiery demonstrations come at a time of mounting public dissatisfaction and growing political unrest.

The burning of the ruling party’s regalia, captured in viral images and videos, symbolized a powerful rejection of Mnangagwa’s leadership. Protesters, frustrated by economic hardship and governance concerns, used the act as a statement of discontent, signaling a sudden loss of popular support for Mnangagwa.

The Fallout of Mnangagwa’s Alleged Plans to Fire Chiwenga

Mnangagwa’s rumored plan to dismiss Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has intensified tensions within ZANU-PF and the security apparatus. Some insiders claim that Mnangagwa has already been sidelined by the military and that his power is now purely symbolic. If true, his attempts to remove Chiwenga could backfire catastrophically.

Mnangagwa’s warning that anyone attempting to replace him “must go through the death row” and “take poison first” underscores the high stakes of this political battle. His continued reference to historical narratives, including the disputed claim that he was poisoned in 2017, appears to be an effort to consolidate sympathy and support. However, war veterans and other influential factions within the party have begun to question his credibility, particularly regarding his alliance with controversial businessman Maxwell Chikumbutso.

War Veterans Challenge Mnangagwa and Chikumbutso

The war veterans, traditionally seen as kingmakers in Zimbabwean politics, are now openly challenging Mnangagwa and Chikumbutso. Their skepticism over Chikumbutso’s supposed “endless electricity” invention and Mnangagwa’s poisoning claims suggests that they no longer blindly support the president’s narratives.

The veterans have raised several pointed questions:
1. Can Mnangagwa and Chikumbutso provide documented medical evidence of their poisoning claims?
2. Is their “endless electricity” project genuine, or is it merely another political distraction?
3. Why did Mnangagwa appoint convicted armed robber Paradzayi Kutyauripo to a key government position?
4. When did Mnangagwa allegedly stop working for the Rhodesian security services?

These inquiries suggest that Mnangagwa is facing a crisis not only from Chiwenga but also from factions within his own support base. If the war veterans formally withdraw their backing, Mnangagwa’s position could become untenable.

The Unfolding Coup Scenario

While official sources continue to deny Mnangagwa’s weakened position, Zimbabwe’s political landscape is shifting rapidly. Chiwenga, as a former military commander, holds significant influence over the armed forces. If he consolidates military and party power, Mnangagwa’s removal could mirror Robert Mugabe’s ousting in 2017—a swift and controlled operation disguised as a voluntary resignation.

With tensions at a boiling point, the coming days and weeks will determine whether Mnangagwa can reclaim control or whether Zimbabwe is on the verge of yet another leadership shake-up. The public’s overwhelming prediction that he will last only days after losing power suggests that his options are dwindling fast.

Conclusion: Is This the End for Mnangagwa?

Mnangagwa’s fate now hinges on his ability to either outmaneuver Chiwenga or secure last-minute military backing. However, history suggests that Zimbabwean politics is ruthless, and leaders who lose military and party control rarely survive. The overwhelming public sentiment, as reflected in the uploaded poll image, indicates that Zimbabweans believe Mnangagwa’s time is almost up.

As the crisis unfolds, the world watches to see whether Zimbabwe is headed for another coup, a negotiated transition, or an unexpected twist in its long history of political intrigue.- ZimEye