By Political Reporter- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga finds himself increasingly isolated at the Zanu PF annual conference, as yet another key ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere, publicly blocked his path to power.
Muswere has firmly declared that there is “no vacancy” for leadership, reaffirming Mnangagwa’s mandate after his re-election in 2023.
“His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa was democratically elected by millions of Zimbabweans, and his term of office is still running. The same applies to his democratic election as President and First Secretary of Zanu PF. Effectively, there is no vacancy, and the government and party leadership are properly constituted,” Muswere said. He further emphasized that there is unity in the leadership, dismissing rumours of discord as “misdirected energies of half-wits on social media.”
Muswere’s hard stance comes soon after Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, another close Mnangagwa ally, publicly denounced Chiwenga by endorsing Mnangagwa’s continued rule, describing his leadership as divinely ordained.
Garwe claimed Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda was guided by God and warned that any attempt to remove him would fail. “Leaders are chosen by God, and we, the people, are here to support what God has chosen for us,” Garwe said, linking Mnangagwa’s leadership to divine intervention.
These remarks have heightened tensions as Mnangagwa and Chiwenga battle for control of Zanu PF.
The Vice President’s supporters are increasingly frustrated, accusing Mnangagwa of reneging on a 2017 agreement to step down for Chiwenga after the military coup that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe.
With the conference in Bulawayo which has just started set to be a battleground, Mnangagwa is reportedly mobilising his faction to block Chiwenga’s ascent to power.
Chiwenga’s backers have vowed to challenge Mnangagwa’s camp, accusing them of obstructing his path to the presidency in 2028.
This latest power struggle is not new.
Since the 2017 coup, divisions within Zanu PF have deepened, with Mnangagwa and Chiwenga leading opposing factions.
The intensifying internal strife is raising concerns that Zanu PF’s fractures could destabilize the party as the country heads towards future elections.
The conflict comes at a sensitive time, with Zimbabwe facing mounting economic challenges.
Rampant inflation, rising unemployment, and deteriorating living conditions are fueling public unrest, further complicating Zanu PF’s internal power dynamics as the ruling party struggles to manage a frustrated and increasingly restless populace.