Mnangagwa supporters fight back

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has declared that Mnangagwa's bid for a third term in office is moving forward, regardless of opposition from Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his supporters.

Garwe's remarks come amid escalating political tensions within Zanu-PF, with the succession battle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga reaching a boiling point. The growing divide has sparked fears of a potential coup scenario reminiscent of the November 2017 power struggle that ousted the late former president Robert Mugabe.

Speaking at a Zanu-PF gathering in Mashonaland East on Tuesday, Garwe reiterated Mnangagwa's determination to remain in office until 2030, dismissing any resistance as inconsequential.

"The 2030 bid is happening, whether some people like it or not. President Mnangagwa is the leader of the party, and he has the full mandate of the people to continue leading beyond 2028. Any attempts to derail this are futile," Garwe said.

The minister's statement appears to be a direct response to the growing opposition within Zanu-PF, particularly from Chiwenga's faction, which is reportedly backed by elements of the military. Chiwenga, seen as Mnangagwa's natural successor, is said to be rallying his allies to block Mnangagwa's attempt to extend his rule beyond the two-term constitutional limit.

The internal Zanu-PF power struggle has also drawn the involvement of war veterans, who have publicly opposed Mnangagwa's third-term ambitions, accusing him of corruption, nepotism, and poor governance.

Last week, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairperson Andreas Ethan Mathibela issued a stern warning, likening the current political climate to the volatile period leading up to Mugabe's removal.

Analysts have described the situation as a dangerous power tussle that could destabilize the country. While Mnangagwa has publicly denied seeking a third term, his allies within Zanu-PF have been pushing constitutional amendments to facilitate the bid.

As the political infighting intensifies, fears of a repeat of the 2017 coup remain high, with many observers calling for dialogue and reconciliation within the ruling party to prevent further instability.

The unfolding succession battle will undoubtedly shape Zimbabwe's political trajectory in the coming years, with the nation closely watching how the Mnangagwa-Chiwenga standoff will ultimately be resolved.