In a significant shake-up within Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has removed Dr. Obert Mpofu from his influential role as Secretary-General, reassigning him to the position of ICT Secretary. Mpofu is widely recognized as a close confidant of Vice-President General Constantino Chiwenga, who is locked in a fierce rivalry with Mnangagwa over the country’s succession.
The party has been roiled by recent turmoil after Vice-President Chiwenga released a scathing anti-corruption report accusing Mnangagwa’s inner circle, notably Kudakwashe Tagwirei, of massive financial misappropriation. These allegations have deepened divisions within ZANU-PF and intensified the power struggle between the two camps.
Mnangagwa was forced to cancel a planned trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York after intelligence services warned that his absence could leave his allies vulnerable to arrest and destabilize his leadership. Reports suggest the Central Intelligence Organization advised against his travel, fearing that rivals might seize the opportunity to launch a coup.
The President’s decision to demote Mpofu is viewed as an effort to undermine Chiwenga’s influence within the party and consolidate Mnangagwa’s control at a critical juncture. Political analysts interpret the moves as signs that the succession conflict has reached an especially volatile stage, one that could threaten national stability.
Alongside Mpofu’s demotion, other key changes have been made in the party’s Politburo. Jacob Mudenda, formerly Treasurer General, has been promoted to Secretary-General, positioning him at the core of party administration. Patrick Chinamasa, previously the Secretary for Legal Affairs and a known Mnangagwa ally, has taken over as Treasurer General, putting party finances under his control. Meanwhile, Ziyambi Ziyambi has shifted from ICT Secretary to Secretary for Legal Affairs, maintaining his role within the Politburo but gaining more influence in legal matters amid the ongoing power tussle.
These appointments clearly realign the party’s leadership around Mnangagwa, placing trusted loyalists in key roles while sidelining some of Chiwenga’s supporters. The reshuffle signals a strategic attempt by Mnangagwa to strengthen his faction as internal tensions threaten to escalate further.
The developments mark a critical moment in Zimbabwe’s political landscape, underscoring the fragility of its ruling party and the high stakes of the succession battle unfolding behind the scenes.
source – Hopewell Chin’ono
