Mnangagwa turns to parallel structures

President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently met with more than 120 affiliate groups loyal to him at his Precabe Farm, signaling a heightened push to extend his presidency beyond 2028. The gathering, which included representatives from youth, women, and religious groups, saw attendees pledging their full support for constitutional amendments that would pave the way for Mnangagwa to remain in power.

Sources close to the meeting revealed that Mnangagwa had turned to these parallel structures due to increasing opposition within both Zanu-PF and military command to efforts to extend his term. These groups, which were initially formed to support Mnangagwa's 2023 presidential campaign, have continued to play a significant role in advancing his political agenda, including his potential bid for a prolonged tenure.

Among the groups present at the meeting were Varakashi for ED, Young Women for ED, Men BelievED, Mahwindi for ED, Pastors for ED, Teachers for ED, Councillors for ED, Mapositori for ED, and Bornfrees for ED, among others. These affiliates have been working in parallel to the main party structures, organizing campaigns and lobbying for constitutional changes to allow Mnangagwa to stay in office beyond the current limits set by the constitution.

Obey Mapuranga, the spokesperson for Vapostori and MaZion for ED, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that their support for Mnangagwa's extended rule was guided by religious principles. "If we are given a President by God, we don't decide the timeframe of his presidency. We wait for God to speak for himself," Mapuranga stated.

He further explained that the decision for Mnangagwa to continue in office until his "Vision 2030" is achieved had been formally resolved by their national executive council and advisory board. Mapuranga also asserted that the group's considerable numbers could influence the outcome of any constitutional referendum related to the issue.

"We have the numbers to sail through any legal actions of parliamentary induced referendums," Mapuranga declared, suggesting that the groups were prepared to back the political maneuver through legal means.

Although Mnangagwa has publicly denied any intention to extend his rule, there are increasing signs that efforts to amend the constitution are underway within Zanu-PF. At the party's conference in Bulawayo last October, a resolution was adopted to explore avenues for extending the President's term. This move has sparked tensions within the party, particularly with factions loyal to Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who have reportedly expressed opposition to the initiative.

Robson Mavhenyengwa, the Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chairperson, reinforced the resolution during a meeting in Chiredzi on Sunday, stressing that the move to extend Mnangagwa's term must succeed by all means necessary. The gathering at Precabe Farm appears to be a strategic push to consolidate support among Mnangagwa's loyalists ahead of possible constitutional changes.

The political landscape in Zimbabwe remains tense as discussions continue on whether constitutional amendments will be pursued to facilitate the President's extended rule.