By Political Reporter- By Political Reporter – President Emmerson Mnangagwa chaired a tense Politburo meeting on Tuesday, as tensions between his supporters and those of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga continue to threaten Zanu PF’s unity ahead of the party’s national conference.

Chiwenga, displaying a notably sombre expression throughout the meeting, starkly contrasted with his co-vice President, Kembo Mohadi, who maintained a jovial demeanour.

The gathering was held amid rising factional conflict over the party’s future leadership.

The Politburo reviewed the Central Committee’s report for the 21st National Annual People’s Conference, set to commence today in Bulawayo.

Mnangagwa, steering clear of the divisive succession battle, focused his address on national policies.

He urged party members to rally behind resolutions aimed at achieving an industrialized Zimbabwe, despite his government’s poor track record on aligning policies with the people.

“It is important to note that this year’s conference beckons us all to rally our energies and abilities with regard to crafting responsive and futuristic resolutions. This will go a long way in fostering broad and collective responsibilities to realize a modern and industrialized Zimbabwe,” Mnangagwa said.

The urgency of the Politburo meeting was prompted by recent violent clashes between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga supporters.

Over the weekend, Zanu PF Harare provincial chairperson Goodwills Masimirembwa’s business offices were firebombed, allegedly by Chiwenga loyalists.

In a brutal escalation, one of Masimirembwa’s security guards was doused in petrol and set alight. His condition remains unknown, and an investigation is ongoing.

Masimirembwa, a key Mnangagwa ally, has been vocal in supporting the president’s controversial bid to extend his rule beyond the 2028 constitutional limit, a move that has angered Chiwenga’s faction.

Sources claim Mnangagwa reneged on an alleged 2017 coup agreement to hand over power to Chiwenga after two terms, leading to growing unrest within Zanu PF.

Despite the escalating internal conflict, Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa sought to downplay the rift, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming conference in shaping party policy.

As the conference begins, the deepening power struggle casts a shadow over the party’s future, raising concerns about its stability amidst violent factionalism.