Concerns flared in a Harare neighborhood when a convoy of armored tanks rumbled through the streets, sparking speculation of a potential military coup in Zimbabwe. Social media buzzed with questions and worries, with some recalling the past coup in the country.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana moved swiftly to calm fears, explaining that the tank movement was part of a routine equipment test and not a cause for alarm. However, the rumors and conjecture persisted, shedding light on the country’s current situation.
Prior to this military activity, President Emmerson Mnangagwa faced unprecedented criticism from his own Zanu-PF party members, calling for his resignation. This internal strife echoed the events leading up to the ousting of former leader Robert Mugabe.
The discontent stemmed from discussions within the party about potentially extending presidential term limits to allow Mnangagwa to seek a third term. A senior Zanu-PF member known as Blessed Geza, “Bombshell,” led the charge against the president, accusing him of corruption and nepotism.
The situation escalated when Geza’s strong criticisms were labeled as disloyalty and even treason by the party. Geza went into hiding but continued to express his dissent through social media, hinting at potential protests.
Journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who had interviewed Geza, was also arrested on charges related to inciting violence. The unfolding events exposed deepening divisions within Zanu-PF over Mnangagwa’s tenure and ambitions to extend his rule beyond the current term limits.
The president’s supporters rallied behind him, touting his achievements and arguing for an extension of his term to fulfill his “Agenda 2030” development plan. The party conference in December saw a motion to extend Mnangagwa’s term until 2030, despite constitutional limitations on presidential terms.
As tensions simmer in Zimbabwe over the presidential succession, the country faces a precarious political landscape with uncertainties surrounding the future leadership.
The influential Roman Catholic bishops in Zimbabwe, anticipating a leadership change within three years, recently issued a pastoral letter highlighting crucial issues facing the country. The bishops emphasized that ongoing debates about the future leadership distracted from urgent matters such as business closures, high unemployment, widespread corruption, and economic policies that predominantly benefit the wealthy over ordinary citizens.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba expressed disappointment with the bishops’ stance, dismissing it as a closed topic. Nevertheless, the bishops’ message seemed to have impact, leading to a political shake-up within the ruling party Zanu-PF, resulting in the expulsion of Geza and some of his supporters.
Political analyst Takura Zhangazha remarked that Geza’s efforts to rally public support were unlikely to succeed, as people today are less inclined to engage in political theatrics compared to the events surrounding Mugabe’s ousting in 2017. Zhangazha noted that the political landscape is fractured, with a weak opposition and disunity among war veterans.
Geza had previously endorsed Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga for succession, while other war veterans supported the 2030 agenda. Analyst Alexander Rusero highlighted the significance of war veterans in Zimbabwean politics and Zanu-PF, noting their sense of entitlement and importance in decision-making.
Zhangazha and Rusero both agreed that loyalty within the ruling party often translates into personal benefits like government contracts, housing, and access to resources. Jameson Timba, leader of a faction of the main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), painted a grim picture of the economic situation in Zimbabwe, with rising poverty and the closure of major supermarket chains like OK Zimbabwe.
The situation worsened with the recent suspension of USAID, impacting the already fragile economy. Timba himself endured a harrowing five-month imprisonment, underscoring the challenges faced by political dissenters in Zimbabwe.
The leader of a country found himself in hot water after being accused of hosting an “unlawful meeting” at his private residence. The controversial gathering in question? A simple barbeque to commemorate the International Day of the African Child.
According to the detained leader, the treatment he and his companions received was a clear indication of the growing trend of criminalizing opposition politics. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, he voiced his concerns about the current state of affairs, stressing the need for a reevaluation of leadership and governance.
“The country is at a crossroads, facing numerous challenges. It is imperative that any responsible leader or government seeks to validate their mandate by calling for an early election,” he declared. “Extending one’s term in office instead of seeking the people’s approval is nothing short of a farce.”
Despite his calls for an early election, the likelihood of one taking place anytime soon seems slim. As the leader known as Bombshell remains in hiding, and with the next elections still years away, the debate over succession continues to simmer in the background.
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