News / National
Zimbabwe war veterans warn against Mnangagwa's term extension plans
28 Jan 2025 at 07:04hrs | Views
A new warning has emerged from another war veterans group about the potential chaos triggered by the proposed extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term until 2030. This follows a highly charged press conference held on Sunday, where a faction of ex-combatants, led by Zanu-PF Central Committee member Blessed Geza, called for Mnangagwa to step down.
The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) chairperson, Andrease Mathibela, warned that the push to extend Mnangagwa's tenure could lead the country into turmoil similar to the events of 2017, when the military intervened to oust the late former President Robert Mugabe.
"Attempts to extend Mnangagwa's term are an assault on democracy," Mathibela said during a press briefing in the capital. He expressed concern that the decision by Zanu-PF to extend Mnangagwa's presidency by two years, despite the president previously stating his lack of interest in continuing beyond 2028, could destabilize the nation.
The Zanu-PF resolution to extend the president's term, which was passed at the party's annual conference in Bulawayo in October 2024, has been seen by many as an effort by some of Mnangagwa's loyalists to keep him in power until 2033.
Mathibela emphasized that such actions were "inconsistent with constitutional provisions" and were a clear attempt to manage succession issues within the ruling party by creating a constitutional crisis. He also warned of the potential for civil unrest as a result of these moves.
"While we do not wish to interfere in the succession battles of any political party, we must remind Zanu-PF of the reasons why the military intervened in November 2017 through Operation Restore Legacy," Mathibela said. "It was because the political situation was reaching a boiling point, and now, the same mismanagement of succession issues is threatening the stability of the country."
The issue of succession and term extensions has triggered debates across various political and civic groups. Information Minister Jenfan Muswere recently stated that it was not a criminal offence for citizens to voice their opinions on the proposed 2030 agenda. This came after the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations urged Mnangagwa to resist the pressure from his supporters to extend his time in office.
In the wake of these developments, Sengezo Tshabangu, self-appointed Secretary-General of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), voiced his opposition to the 2030 agenda after meeting with Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda. Tshabangu's camp, which has faced criticism for his endorsement of the agenda during a visit to the president's farm, has described the idea of a third term as "repulsive" and divisive.
Tshabangu's spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, reinforced the party's stance, stating, "The 2028 postponement of elections and the 2030 agenda are inconsistent with our national aspirations. We will oppose it, as it creates unnecessary national disharmony."
The proposed term extension and ongoing debates about the future of Zimbabwe's leadership come at a time when the country is still grappling with the legacy of the 2017 coup that saw Mnangagwa assume office after Robert Mugabe's ousting, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's political history.
The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) chairperson, Andrease Mathibela, warned that the push to extend Mnangagwa's tenure could lead the country into turmoil similar to the events of 2017, when the military intervened to oust the late former President Robert Mugabe.
"Attempts to extend Mnangagwa's term are an assault on democracy," Mathibela said during a press briefing in the capital. He expressed concern that the decision by Zanu-PF to extend Mnangagwa's presidency by two years, despite the president previously stating his lack of interest in continuing beyond 2028, could destabilize the nation.
The Zanu-PF resolution to extend the president's term, which was passed at the party's annual conference in Bulawayo in October 2024, has been seen by many as an effort by some of Mnangagwa's loyalists to keep him in power until 2033.
Mathibela emphasized that such actions were "inconsistent with constitutional provisions" and were a clear attempt to manage succession issues within the ruling party by creating a constitutional crisis. He also warned of the potential for civil unrest as a result of these moves.
The issue of succession and term extensions has triggered debates across various political and civic groups. Information Minister Jenfan Muswere recently stated that it was not a criminal offence for citizens to voice their opinions on the proposed 2030 agenda. This came after the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations urged Mnangagwa to resist the pressure from his supporters to extend his time in office.
In the wake of these developments, Sengezo Tshabangu, self-appointed Secretary-General of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), voiced his opposition to the 2030 agenda after meeting with Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda. Tshabangu's camp, which has faced criticism for his endorsement of the agenda during a visit to the president's farm, has described the idea of a third term as "repulsive" and divisive.
Tshabangu's spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, reinforced the party's stance, stating, "The 2028 postponement of elections and the 2030 agenda are inconsistent with our national aspirations. We will oppose it, as it creates unnecessary national disharmony."
The proposed term extension and ongoing debates about the future of Zimbabwe's leadership come at a time when the country is still grappling with the legacy of the 2017 coup that saw Mnangagwa assume office after Robert Mugabe's ousting, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's political history.
Source - newsday
