By Munacho Gwamanda-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s supporters have abandoned the #ED2030 slogans, signalling a major political victory for his deputy, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, in the ongoing battle for control of Zanu PF.

This shift was evident at the National Youth Day commemorations held yesterday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.

In complete contrast to previous rallies, where Mnangagwa was welcomed with loud chants of “2030 ndeya Emmerson, 2030 baba,” his arrival was met with subdued enthusiasm. 

The absence of the once-popular third-term campaign slogans underscores the growing influence of Chiwenga’s military-backed faction, which has strongly opposed Mnangagwa’s ambitions to extend his rule beyond 2028.

Chiwenga, standing composed alongside his wife Miniyothabo Baloyi, keenly observed the unfolding developments.

His allies, emboldened by the military’s support, had recently deployed war veterans to pressure Mnangagwa into stepping down immediately, citing his failure to govern effectively.

This development follows Mnangagwa’s repeated public statements distancing himself from the 2030 campaign, reaffirming his intent to retire at the end of his current term.

The #ED2030 campaign, designed to secure Mnangagwa a third term, had gained significant momentum despite his official denials.

However, the military’s firm opposition proved to be a decisive factor. According to a senior military insider, the army’sstance is “unequivocal”—Mnangagwa must complete his constitutional second term and leave office in 2028.

Further cementing this power shift, the army recently demonstrated its might in Harare by deploying armoured personnel carriers in a conspicuous display of force. 

This move suggests that the military is actively shaping Zanu PF’s succession plan, with Chiwenga emerging as the favoured candidate to take over in the post-Mnangagwa era.