Zanu-PF is in panic mode

Zanu-PF is reportedly worried about its declining popularity, as well as that of other former liberation movements across Southern Africa, attributing the trend to alleged Western interference.

According to a central committee report tabled at the party's recent national people's conference in Mutare, Zanu-PF organs expressed concern over what they described as "regime change machinations" targeting former liberation movements in the region.

The report notes that parties such as Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Tanzania), UNIP (Zambia), and the Botswana Democratic Party have lost political relevance after poor electoral showings, while historically dominant movements-including the African National Congress (South Africa), Frelimo (Mozambique), MPLA (Angola), SWAPO (Namibia), and Zanu-PF-face unprecedented challenges from emerging political forces.

Zanu-PF highlighted the struggles of these parties, citing the ANC's need to form a coalition with the Democratic Alliance and other smaller parties after failing to secure a majority, while Mozambique's Frelimo faced contested election results and protests, and SWAPO is barely maintaining dominance in Namibia.

The report, presented by Zanu-PF national chairman Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, noted that provincial chairmen raised concerns over party cohesion and the threats posed by external interference.

"The need for cohesion, unity and discipline in the party, acknowledging relentless disturbing regime change machinations in the Southern African region in general and former liberation movements in particular," the report stated.

It also highlighted ongoing cooperation with Zanu-PF's sister parties under the Former Liberation Movements of Southern Africa (FLMSA) umbrella, which includes six political parties rooted in the Frontline States' anti-colonial struggle.

"This forum has called for greater cooperation in the face of increasing attempts to unseat liberation movements from the government in their respective countries," the report added.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has faced criticism for alleged interference in regional elections, including sending party officials to support former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi's campaign, which ultimately ended in Masisi's defeat. Zimbabwean voters were also reportedly involved in Mozambique's elections, sparking opposition outcry.

These issues came to the fore during Mnangagwa's tenure as rotational chair of SADC, a position he assumed in September last year. The ruling party insists that maintaining unity among liberation movements is crucial in countering both internal and external political pressures across the region.