Zimbabwe war vets root for Chiwenga

A faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has declared Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga as their preferred successor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This comes amid growing maneuverings within Zanu-PF as factions vie to succeed the 81-year-old leader.

Last week, the government acknowledged the splintering of the ZNLWVA into several factions due to increasing divisions among the former fighters regarding Mnangagwa's performance since he took over from Robert Mugabe in a coup seven years ago. Although Mnangagwa's term ends in 2028, a campaign within Zanu-PF aims to extend his tenure, while another faction is pushing for Chiwenga to succeed him.

Andreas Ethan Mathibela, leader of an increasingly vocal ZNLWVA faction, expressed shock at comments made by Mnangagwa's biographer Eddie Cross, who claimed that Chiwenga would never rule Zimbabwe. Mathibela criticized Cross, an ex-Rhodesian, for making such declarations, arguing that he lacks the authority and standing within the ruling party to comment on succession matters.

Mathibela highlighted Chiwenga's "unquestionable record" in the liberation war, asserting that this qualifies him as a strong candidate for leadership. He emphasized that Chiwenga, a decorated soldier, has the discipline and capability needed to address the country's economic and political issues. Mathibela also defended Chiwenga's integrity, stating that he has a clean political record and has not been involved in any criminal or corrupt activities.

In contrast, another ZNLWVA faction is led by Zanu-PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa, who played a critical role in the coup that ousted Mugabe. Mutsvangwa and Chiwenga are reported to be rivals in the ongoing battle to succeed Mnangagwa.