Mnangagwa's personality cult grows

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his loyalists have intensified efforts to create a political personality cult as part of a controversial campaign to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional two-term limit, which expires in 2028.

The push, widely seen as an attempt to prolong his grip on power, has been met with sharp criticism for fostering a culture akin to authoritarian regimes, where the leader is elevated to near-mythical status. Mnangagwa's allies are increasingly invoking his Shumba Murambwi totem and promoting him as the symbol of national strength, a move detractors argue undermines democracy and fuels political repression.

Observers have drawn parallels between Zimbabwe's political environment and the personality cult politics seen in North Korea. This leadership style, initiated during the era of former President Robert Mugabe, has often resulted in authoritarian rule, the suppression of dissent, and systematic human rights violations. Critics warn that institutions designed to uphold democracy risk being dismantled, creating a political atmosphere marked by impunity and a lack of accountability.

"Personality cult politics is a dangerous game," said a political analyst. "It replaces democratic ideals with the glorification of a single individual, often at the expense of governance, transparency, and progress."

One of the most recent displays of Mnangagwa's growing cult of personality was at the High-Level Structured Dialogue Platform Forum on Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution, held at the Harare International Conference Centre. The event, aimed at addressing Zimbabwe's crippling debt crisis, was overshadowed by an adoring crowd that fawned over Mnangagwa, in what many critics saw as a choreographed spectacle.

The forum, which featured key figures such as Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina, was meant to focus on Zimbabwe's severe economic challenges. However, the focus shifted toward the projection of Mnangagwa's so-called "grand authority," as supporters rallied around him, creating a spectacle that critics argue detracts from the real issues at hand.

Zimbabwe's external debt continues to hamper economic growth, with billions owed to international creditors. Critics argue that the campaign to build a personality cult around Mnangagwa distracts from the urgent need for substantive solutions to the country's economic woes.

The push to extend Mnangagwa's rule through constitutional amendments has sparked growing resistance from civil society, opposition groups, and international observers. Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution limits the president to two terms, and Mnangagwa's efforts to stay in power have been described as a direct challenge to these democratic principles.

Mnangagwa's supporters contend that his continued leadership is essential to achieving his Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income country. However, critics argue that the push for extended rule is more about consolidating power than about advancing the nation's development.

Analysts warn that the growing personality cult surrounding Mnangagwa, combined with efforts to extend his presidency, could further erode Zimbabwe's democratic norms. "This is not just about political survival," said a human rights activist. "It's about entrenching authoritarianism under the guise of national development."

Civil society organizations have called for heightened vigilance to prevent the presidency from becoming a de facto lifetime position. "The stakes are high," the activist added. "Zimbabwe's future depends on upholding constitutionalism and rejecting these dangerous precedents."

As Mnangagwa's allies push for a constitutional amendment, questions remain about whether Zimbabwe's institutions can withstand the growing pressure. The increasing focus on Mnangagwa's glorification risks deepening divisions within the country and could exacerbate political and economic instability.

For now, Mnangagwa's lionization continues to dominate Zimbabwe's political scene, even as the country grapples with mounting challenges such as a debt crisis, widespread unemployment, and struggling public services. Whether Zimbabwe will resist or succumb to this tide of authoritarianism remains uncertain.