By A Correspondent

Tensions within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party have escalated sharply as hardliners loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa begin a fierce campaign against the growing influence of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his military backers.

This new conflict comes as Mnangagwa’s inner circle, bolstered by powerful party figures, increasingly seeks to curb Chiwenga’s rising political ambitions.

In a dramatic shift in the party dynamics, Mnangagwa’s hardline supporters have taken a decisive stand against what they perceive as Chiwenga’s growing attempt to position himself as the next leader of the country. The President’s allies are now openly declaring war on the Vice President, and a new wave of political maneuvering is threatening to upend the delicate balance of power within Zanu PF.

According to party insiders, key figures close to Mnangagwa have launched a full-scale offensive against what they have dubbed the “Genarari faction,” a term they’ve coined to describe Chiwenga’s growing support base.

These hardliners argue that Chiwenga’s military ties and ambitions to extend his influence within the party pose a threat to the stability of the ruling party.

Lovemore Matuke, a prominent Zanu PF member and the newly appointed State Security Minister, has been at the forefront of this campaign.

In a recent statement, Matuke made it clear that any attempt to challenge Mnangagwa’s leadership would not be tolerated.

“We will not allow any attempts to undermine the President’s leadership,” he reportedly asserted.

“The President is staying, and those plotting against him must face the consequences.”

Matuke’s remarks reflect the rising hostility towards Chiwenga’s faction, as the battle for control of the party intensifies.

Zanu PF insiders suggest that the once-fractured hardline camp is now more united than ever, rallying around Mnangagwa in a bid to thwart Chiwenga’s ambitions.

As the conflict deepens, the stage is set for an inevitable confrontation, with both sides preparing for what could be a fierce and consequential battle for dominance within Zanu PF. The future of the party—and possibly the country—now hinges on the outcome of this high-stakes political struggle.