Harare, Zimbabwe – President Emmerson Mnangagwa suffered a major embarrassment at the National Heroes Acre, as his small group of supporters was overpowered by the voices of a massive crowd singing in opposition, exposing deep divisions within the ruling Zanu PF party.

The chaotic scenes, which unfolded two days ago, sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe, further highlighting the growing discontent with Mnangagwa’s leadership. This comes at a time when his handful of backers remain unhinged, pushing for an indefinite extension of his presidency beyond constitutional limits.

Mnangagwa’s Backers Demand “Eternal Rule” Amidst Growing Resistance

Leading the call for Mnangagwa’s continued rule is Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans, Douglas Mahiya, who issued threats against fellow war veterans who oppose extending Mnangagwa’s presidency. Mahiya directly warned those challenging the Zanu PF leader’s rule, stating that they could be “stopped from speaking indefinitely.”

His comments were seemingly directed at Blessed Runesu Geza and his faction of war veterans, who have been vocal in their opposition to Mnangagwa’s leadership, citing corruption, nepotism, and economic collapse as reasons why the president should step down.

A Party in Crisis: Mnangagwa’s Supporters Threaten Opponents

Speaking at a war veterans’ gathering in Bulawayo, Mahiya shockingly suggested that, under different leadership, Zanu PF could have declared a state of emergency and suspended elections indefinitely, effectively turning Zimbabwe into a dictatorship.

“We were sanctioned by the West. That’s a sign that we are in a war. When a country has sanctions, when people are in a war, they can stop going for elections and declare a state of emergency,” Mahiya stated, arguing that Mnangagwa had been “too lenient” by allowing elections to continue.

Mahiya justified extending Mnangagwa’s term, arguing that Western sanctions constituted a “war situation”, which, under a different leader, could have led to the suspension of democracy.

“Had Mnangagwa not been a principled leader, the ruling party could have declared a state of emergency, suspended elections, and ensured his indefinite rule,” he said, implying that only death could remove Mnangagwa from power.

Mnangagwa’s Supporters Face Backlash

While a small faction within Zanu PF continues to push for Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2030, his presence at the National Heroes Acre painted a completely different picture. His supporters were overwhelmed and drowned out by the voices of the majority in attendance, who sang in a manner that embarrassed the Zanu PF leader.

The incident underscores the deepening fractures within the ruling party, as tensions escalate between those supporting Mnangagwa’s indefinite rule and those demanding change.

Mahiya Issues More Threats: “We Will Stop You”

In a chilling statement, Mahiya openly threatened war veterans who refuse to back Mnangagwa, warning that they would face consequences for speaking out.

“If you refuse, we have the right, although forbidden by the law, to act otherwise to stop you indefinitely from saying such things,” Mahiya declared, suggesting that dissent would not be tolerated.

He also dismissed the idea that war veterans had independent political agency, saying:

“Going to Zambia (for training during the liberation struggle) does not give you the power to refuse what the majority want. If you do not follow what people want, your war veteran status is useless.”

A Desperate Push for Mnangagwa’s Extended Rule

Mahiya insisted that Mnangagwa’s leadership should be extended indefinitely, invoking Resolution Number One from the Zanu PF National People’s Conference in Bulawayo, which endorsed Mnangagwa’s rule until at least 2030.

“The president will not say what I am saying, but if we take the principle of the revolution that the minority is subordinate to the majority, it means the president has to accept as well what has been said by the people,” Mahiya said, implying that Mnangagwa himself must accept an extension to his term.

Factionalism Threatens Zanu PF’s Future

Mahiya also accused opposing war veterans of working with the opposition to create instability within Zanu PF, warning that the party could lose the next election if internal divisions continue.

“There are different war veteran associations coming up so that during the next elections, Zanu PF loses. They want to divide you so that you disagree with your party and government,” he claimed.

However, the reality at Heroes Acre two days ago suggests that Mnangagwa is quickly losing control, as the masses no longer align with his leadership, despite the desperate attempts of his inner circle to keep him in power.

What Happens Next?

The embarrassing scenes at Heroes Acre serve as a clear warning that Mnangagwa’s grip on power is slipping. While a few die-hard supporters continue to push for his indefinite rule, the public display of resistance signals that his presidency is facing growing rejection, even within Zanu PF.

The ruling party is now at a crossroads—will they force through an unconstitutional extension of Mnangagwa’s rule, or will the rising tide of dissent lead to internal collapse and potential leadership change?

With elections looming and factionalism deepening, one thing is certain: Mnangagwa’s rule is no longer as secure as it once seemed.