A fierce internal conflict has erupted within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party as President Emmerson Mnangagwa pushes to extend his stay in office beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit. The rebellion is led by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, the former army general who played a pivotal role in Mnangagwa’s rise to power eight years ago. This rivalry is now spreading to grassroots levels across the provinces, where securing support will be key for a constitutional amendment to allow the extension.
The clash intensified after Chiwenga presented a dossier accusing influential petroleum businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei of embezzling billions of dollars from the party to fund Mnangagwa’s bid to remain in power. Tagwirei, who faces US and UK sanctions and is seen as Mnangagwa’s favored successor, has been actively donating millions to Zanu PF ahead of the party’s October conference, where a resolution to extend the president’s term by two years past 2028 is expected. Chiwenga, who opposes the move and reportedly has the backing of the security establishment, called for the arrest of Tagwirei and others implicated in corruption.
Zanu PF’s spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign by those seeking to destabilize the party. Meanwhile, Mnangagwa reshuffled key politburo positions, removing allies of Chiwenga to consolidate his influence ahead of the conference. Analysts warn that the internal struggle echoes previous violent leadership battles in the party and could intensify further, with the military likely to play a crucial role in the outcome. Despite Mnangagwa’s public insistence that he does not want to extend his tenure, his supporters continue to mobilize for the controversial amendment, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown within Zimbabwe’s ruling party.
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