Zanu-PF infighting could destabilise Zimbabwe

The annual Zanu-PF conference concluded yesterday in Mutare, yet, as has often been the case, the event seemed more a display of power struggles and personal ambition than a forum for addressing national priorities. Beyond the usual rhetoric, empowerment slogans, and pledges of job creation, the conference focused heavily on extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure until 2030, leaving little room for productive discussion on pressing national issues.

Critics argue that the party continues to prioritize its own interests over those of Zimbabweans. While clinics and hospitals struggle with funding shortages and schools face developmental challenges, Zanu-PF appears able to mobilize vast resources to win the loyalty of influential figures, from singers and pastors to community leaders. Teachers remain underpaid, and many essential services are underfunded, yet the party continues to maintain its grip on power through patronage and elite enrichment.

Internal dynamics within the ruling party are already showing signs of tension. Mnangagwa has reportedly positioned Kudakwashe Tagwireyi within the central committee, preparing him as a potential successor, though questions remain over whether the military would support a leader lacking battle credentials, as emphasized by the late General Vitalis Zvinavashe. The political environment is shifting, with a potential confrontation brewing between Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Analysts suggest that any escalation could destabilize the party and, by extension, the government, possibly pushing the nation toward chaos.

Observers note that Zanu-PF has a long history of internal strife, including witch hunts, expulsions, and power purges. During Robert Mugabe's rule, similar conflicts played out, with key figures such as Joice Mujuru and Mnangagwa himself being removed from positions of influence. The current climate suggests that without careful management, the ruling party risks repeating the same patterns, undermining governance and national stability.

In the end, the Mutare conference highlighted once again that for Zanu-PF, the consolidation of power often takes precedence over addressing Zimbabwe's urgent socio-economic challenges, leaving citizens to question whether the party's priorities align with the needs of the country.