Mnangagwa removes another key ally of Chiwenga

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has removed Director-General Retired Brigadier-General Ezekiel Zabanyana from Zanu-PF's administrative structures, marking the latest move in his ongoing consolidation of power amid a tense succession struggle within the ruling party.

The decision comes just four days before Zanu-PF's annual conference, scheduled to open in the eastern highlands city of Mutare, signaling a significant shift in the party's internal balance of power. Zabanyana has long been considered a close political ally of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who has increasingly found himself at odds with Mnangagwa's leadership direction.

This latest removal follows a series of strategic reshuffles by Mnangagwa, including the recent replacement of Zanu-PF secretary-general Obert Mpofu with Jacob Mudenda in a wider politburo reorganization. Observers view these moves as part of Mnangagwa's broader strategy to neutralize potential rivals and consolidate authority ahead of the crucial party conference.

Tensions within Zanu-PF have escalated following a confrontation between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga during a politburo meeting on 17 September 2025, where the two clashed over the contentious 2030 political agenda, succession uncertainties, and persistent allegations of corruption. Analysts suggest that the ousting of Zabanyana signals Mnangagwa's determination to assert control over the party's decision-making structures in the lead-up to the conference.

Political commentators warn that the ongoing power struggle could have far-reaching implications for Zanu-PF's internal cohesion and the broader political landscape in Zimbabwe, as the party grapples with succession debates and factional rivalries ahead of the 2030 agenda.