Mugabe's Zanu-PF splits

A group calling its self "The Loyal Zanu-PF" has been formed. This group comprises mostly of the disgruntled Zanu-PF memebrs who were expelled, suspended or demoted in the party's run up to the 6th congress held in December. The congress saw the party nominating President Mugabe as its 2018 election candidate despite his advanced age. The congress marred by fear and threats also endorsed Mrs Grace Mugabe as the women's league head. The loyalist group argue that the image of Zanu-PF has been tarnished by a few individuals who have hijacked the party's founding principles and destroyed them. In their strong worded press statement, the group states that the congress was held under unconstitutional means hence its seeking legal avenue to nullify it and its outcome. On the expulsions, the Loyalists argues and declares them null and void. The group claims the true Zanu-PF founding principles were lost on 1 Jully 2014.

With regards to assassination claims, the group refutes the allegations as cheap politicking but does not disown the idea of removal of President Mugabe by any other means by the Mujuru camp. The tone on Mugabe's praise and worship has change to hatred.

The Loyalists claim that the Mrs Mugabe meet the people rallies and statements said were morally degrading and lacked any motherly respect. They claim the rallies were not sanctioned by Zanu-PF constitution nor can they be supported by the country's constitution term "first lady" is not explicitly found or defined by Zimbabwean constitution. The Zanu-PF constitution states that for one to be a Leader of Party wing they have to have at least 15 years experience in party starting at cell level up to national level. Mrs Mugabe has no known history as a Zanu-PF cadre. It is on these basis that the Loyalists argue the legality of actions of Mrs Mugabe. President Mugabe turned a blind eye to the actions of his wife prompting the Loyalists to label the President of Zimbabwe a leader who has lost credibility to unify, think rationally or act as a dignified national leader. In the past, the MDC has cried foul in the hands of violent Zanu-PF youths. The Loyalists address this issue and agree that Zanu-PF has become a violent party which uses violence on any opposition it encounters. They state that Zanu-PF has lost dialogue stance to solve its problems. During the run up to the congress, violence against Mujuru faction members and their disrespect prompted the former Vice President Joice Mujuru to skip the congress citing fear for her life and well being. Those who attended including Sydney Sekeramai, were reduced to public ridicule by young party youths. The loyalists claim they are the bona fide Zanu-PF, this is shown by the letter signed off by Didymus Mutasa as the administrator.

Mutasa was removed from the post at the just ended Congress. As a parting note, the Loyalists urge its "members" to remain calm and resolute as the legal avenue is being sought out. It also invites those who share its vision within or without Zanu-PF to support and join them in the historic event.

This could be an interesting phenomena as it comes a day after the announcement of election nomination dates for the seats which fell vacant on promotion of former VP Mujuru and current VP Mr Mnangagwa in Mash Central and Midlands respectively. It remains to be seen if the Loyalists will field their own candidate or will campaign for the main stream Zanu-PF candidate. On elections, Joice Mujuru was "barred" from contesting any election on Zanu-PF ticket hence her disqualification for Central Committee elections held before the congress. Her "application" for presidium also hit a snag last year as party officialls refused to accept it.

More to follow............