A recent incident in Harare, where a convoy of armored personnel carriers was spotted, briefly incited fears of a military coup in Zimbabwe. Social media lit up with concerned posts questioning the stability of the country, with echoes of past upheaval when the military played a critical role in the ousting of long-time leader Robert Mugabe.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana quickly reassured citizens that this display of military might was merely a scheduled exercise, stating there was no cause for alarm. However, this event has drawn attention to the escalating tensions within the ruling Zanu-PF party, particularly surrounding President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Internal strife within Zanu-PF
For the first time since he ascended to the presidency in 2017, Mnangagwa is facing significant criticism from within his own party. Some members of Zanu-PF have publicly called for his resignation, reminiscent of the events leading up to Mugabe’s downfall. Among the vocal critics is Blessed Geza, a senior party member and war veteran, who has become notorious for his candid remarks against Mnangagwa.
Geza, often referred to as “Bombshell,” has expressed his frustration over attempts to amend the constitution to allow Mnangagwa to run for a third term. In a series of fiery press conferences, he accused the president of corruption and neglecting the needs of the citizens. Geza’s claims, which included allegations that Mnangagwa had placed family interests above those of the nation, have been met with outrage within the party, leading to his expulsion and subsequent hiding.
“I must apologise for helping him come into office,” Geza stated, criticizing the president’s drift towards corruption.
Political ramifications and public sentiment
Geza’s outspoken critiques have not only led to his exile but have also resulted in a police manhunt for him on multiple charges, including inciting violence. Furthermore, journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who interviewed Geza, has faced arrest for allegedly promoting violence through media channels.
Amidst these political crises, the calls for Mnangagwa’s extended term until 2030 have sparked concern from various sectors, including the influential Catholic Bishops Conference. They issued a pastoral letter highlighting the urgent issues facing Zimbabwe, such as rampant corruption and high unemployment, warning that discussions about extending the presidency distract from more pressing matters.
Despite assurances from Mnangagwa regarding his plans to step down when his term ends in 2028, the political landscape is fraught with division. Analysts suggest that the fervor and public engagement seen during Mugabe’s ousting are unlikely to be replicated now, as many citizens seem weary of political theater and disillusioned with past promises.
Political analyst Takura Zhangazha noted, “There’s no repeat of 2017 before 2028,” pointing out that the populace is less inclined to mobilize around internal party disputes and have become skeptical of political actors, including the war veterans.
As Zimbabwe’s economy continues to struggle—with significant business closures and food insecurity—opposition leaders argue that the government should prioritize addressing these crises rather than extending political terms. Jameson Timba, leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change, emphasized the need for early elections to reassess the government’s mandate in light of the deteriorating economic situation.
While the succession debate intensifies within the ruling party, with various factions backing different candidates, the immediate future remains uncertain as Geza stays out of sight and the elections loom years away.