As the Zanu-PF succession war intensifies, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to senior party members, stressing that individualism has no place within the ruling party.
The president addressed a Politburo meeting at party headquarters in Harare on Wednesday, warning against tactics that could divide the party ahead of the 2028 elections, when his current term ends.
Rival Factions Emerge
Tensions have been rising between two main factions: one aligned with Mnangagwa and the other with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is currently in India on state business.
Business tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei has also been at the center of controversy. Party spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa recently claimed Tagwirei could not buy his way into the Zanu-PF leadership. However, Secretary for Legal Affairs Patrick Chinamasa dismissed Mutsvangwa’s stance, calling it a wasted effort.
Mnangagwa’s Call for Unity
Chairing the Politburo meeting, Mnangagwa urged discipline and unity:
“Tactics and political chicanery meant to mislead, confuse, as well as divide the Party and nation, must be nipped in the bud. We must all speak with one voice and march in one direction.”
He emphasized that Zanu-PF leaders must adhere to collective responsibility and avoid using social media to attack one another.
Corruption and Power Struggles
Factionalism within Zanu-PF has become increasingly apparent. Mnangagwa is seen as supportive of controversial businessmen like Tagwirei and Wicknell Chivayo, whom he describes as philanthropists. In contrast, Chiwenga has labelled them “zvigananda” – looters enriching themselves at the expense of ordinary Zimbabweans.
While Mnangagwa has denied claims that he seeks to extend his rule beyond 2028, his critics argue that succession tensions are already destabilizing the party. Chiwenga, meanwhile, is positioning himself as an anti-corruption champion, describing graft as a national security threat.
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