Mnangagwa stepping down in 2028

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has firmly stated that he will not seek to extend his tenure beyond 2028, despite growing calls within his party, Zanu-PF, for constitutional amendments to prolong his rule. Speaking during the Inaugural Meet-The-Editors Session in Harare, Mnangagwa reiterated his commitment to abide by the Constitution and leave office at the end of his two terms, promising that both the country and his party would move forward with the election of his successor.

"I have my two terms, and when the time comes, the country and the party will move on by electing my successor. I have said clearly that I have two terms, and these two terms are definite," Mnangagwa said. "When they come to an end, I will step aside, and my party will elect my successor—that is as clear as day. Those who have other imaginations, we have a democratic society that allows them to dream."

This marks the fourth time that the president has publicly asserted he will not stay beyond his second term, countering recent pushback from within Zanu-PF and various groups calling for an extension of his mandate. A faction of the ruling party has been pushing for constitutional amendments to extend Mnangagwa's presidency until 2030, a move which critics argue undermines the country's democratic framework.

Mnangagwa's remarks come amidst vocal resistance from war veterans, civil society organizations, the church, and others, including Zanu-PF members, who have voiced concerns over the proposal. War veterans' secretary, Douglas Mahiya, recently declared that Zanu-PF would "tear the Constitution" if it became an obstacle to their desired extension of Mnangagwa's presidency.

The church also expressed its opposition, urging the president to resist any temptation to remain in power beyond 2028, cautioning that such a move would be seen as an attempt to overthrow the Constitution, which the president is sworn to uphold.

Despite these calls for an extension, Mnangagwa remains resolute, stating, "I will persuade the persuaders not to persuade me," referring to party loyalists pushing for his continued rule. He acknowledged the challenges within Zanu-PF, attributing them to individuals who pretended to be party members but sought to divide it from within.

While Mnangagwa has made his stance on the matter clear, critics are urging him to publicly reprimand those within Zanu-PF pushing the 2030 agenda to prevent any further pressure from building.

On the economic front, Mnangagwa acknowledged the hardships facing Zimbabwe, conceding that while the country's economic situation could be better, there have been recent positive developments, including a good agricultural season, which he hopes will provide a boost to the economy. He also addressed concerns over the slow pace of the anti-corruption campaign, vowing that "the barking dog will stop barking and bite," signaling his intent to intensify efforts against corruption.

As the 2028 election draws closer, Mnangagwa's firm stance on stepping down provides a clear message amid the internal tensions, while his comments on the economy and governance continue to shape the political discourse ahead of the next electoral cycle.