Mnangagwa turns to parallel structures

The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has expressed grave concern over what it describes as a "slanderous" and "false" article titled "Mnangagwa Turns to Parallel Structures." The article alleges that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is maneuvering to extend his term beyond constitutional limits, employing unconventional methods and "parallel structures" outside ZANU-PF's established arms.

In a strongly worded statement, the OPC refuted the claims as malicious fabrications aimed at discrediting the Head of State and undermining national unity. The Office emphasized that President Mnangagwa has consistently reiterated his commitment to upholding the two-term limit prescribed by Zimbabwe's Constitution.

"Repeatedly, the President has been on public record stating and re-stating in person that he has no intention or ambition to serve beyond the term which the National Constitution mandates for Presidency," the statement read.

The OPC accused NewsDay of creating a misleading narrative that suggests disunity within ZANU-PF and security structures, warning that such allegations could destabilize the nation. It further described the publication as an act of defamation, calculated to erode public trust in the President and foster discord.
Call for Retraction

The OPC has demanded that NewsDay retract the article within seven publishing days, warning of legal action if the demand is not met. This marks the second time in recent months that the publication has come under fire from the President's Office for allegedly publishing falsehoods.

"While the Office respects freedoms granted to the media by the Country's Constitution, it is very clear that flagrantly publishing and circulating falsehoods is not protected by the laws of the country," the OPC warned, adding that offenders may face legal consequences.
Media Responsibility

The OPC acknowledged the importance of media freedom but stressed that this freedom does not absolve journalists of accountability. "Views of individuals and interest groups exercising their freedom of expression cannot be imputed on the President or treated as reversing his public pronouncements," the statement emphasized.

The Office also clarified that ZANU-PF's affiliate groups, which operate within the framework of the party's constitution, cannot be mislabeled as "parallel structures."
Implications

The OPC's response underscores the tensions between government officials and sections of the press, with accusations of media overreach being met with government assertions of defamation. This development highlights the delicate balance between press freedom and accountability in Zimbabwe's evolving political landscape.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on NewsDay's response to the demand for a retraction and any subsequent legal action.