Mnangagwa faces ‘uprising’ as ruling party faction calls for mass protests
Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa (right) with Vice President retired General Constantino Chiwenga during their swearing-in ceremony in Harare, on December 28, 2017.
A faction within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party is pushing for protests to demand clarity on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rumoured bid for a third term, threatening party unity.
A group linked to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and the military wants Mnangagwa to resign by the end of the month, escalating internal tensions.
Security agencies have vowed to suppress any demonstrations.
Mnangagwa, 82, has repeatedly – at least five times since last year – said he would step down when his term ends in 2028, but Zanu-PF is advancing plans to amend the Constitution to extend his rule by two years.
If successful, elections would be pushed to 2030, allowing Mnangagwa to influence his successor.
War veterans see this move as an attempt to sideline retired general Chiwenga from the succession race.
Mnangagwa first came to power in 2017 after a military coup ousted longtime ruler Robert Mugabe, ending nearly four decades of his rule. His ascent was backed by the military, including Chiwenga, who played a key role in the transition.
State of play
Zanu-PF official and war veteran Blessed Geza, who was expelled from the party on Tuesday, has called for nationwide protests on March 31, describing them as an “uprising.”
Geza, who went into hiding after calling for the President’s resignation, resurfaced online in military gear urging citizens to take to the streets.
Authorities arrested journalist Blessed Mhlanga for covering Geza’s calls for protests.
The reactions
State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke downplayed the protests, claiming they are fuelled by Zimbabweans abroad and insisting Mnangagwa remains popular.
“...we want to warn you that we are ready and we will be waiting to deal with you,” he said.
Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa launched a public attack on Chiwenga at the weekend, calling him “illiterate” and “an electoral liability.”
What’s next?
Zanu-PF will hold its elective congress in 2027 to determine its next leader ahead of the 2028 general election.
Chiwenga, with military backing, remains a key player in the succession politics.
Analysts predict that the military will play a decisive role in shaping the party’s future.
