'Attack on Mnangagwa could harm Zimbabwe economy'

Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara has warned that the recent attack on President Emmerson Mnangagwa by war veterans could have serious consequences for Zimbabwe's economy, potentially undermining efforts to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

Tungwarara's remarks came on Wednesday after a faction of war veterans, led by Blessed Geza, publicly called for Mnangagwa's resignation, accusing him of constitutional violations and failing to combat corruption. The call has rocked the ruling Zanu-PF party, which is already grappling with an internal pushback against plans to extend Mnangagwa's tenure by two years beyond the constitutional limit of two terms, which ends in 2028.

In a statement, Tungwarara, who serves as a special presidential investment adviser to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stressed that such political unrest could create an atmosphere of uncertainty that would deter potential investors. He warned that Geza's sentiments had already begun to confuse investors, further destabilizing Zimbabwe's economic outlook.

"Investors require stability, clarity, and confidence in a country's leadership. Any reckless political manoeuvring that casts doubt on the leadership's ability to govern effectively only works to drive potential investors away, further aggravating economic challenges. It is, therefore, imperative that responsible citizens safeguard Zimbabwe's reputation rather than tarnish it for personal or factional gains," Tungwarara stated.

He emphasized that Zimbabwe had been steadily improving its international standing and reputation, making strides towards a positive development trajectory. However, Tungwarara argued that certain individuals with "self-serving motives" have launched an "onslaught against the leadership" without considering the far-reaching consequences of their actions on the nation's prosperity.

"A smear campaign, by its very nature, destabilises confidence, and when investor confidence is lost, the ordinary citizen bears the brunt of the economic consequences," he added.

Tungwarara urged all Zimbabweans to prioritize national development and support President Mnangagwa's vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. He called on citizens to align themselves with this vision rather than engaging in divisive and harmful rhetoric.

He further pointed to countries like the UAE, where stringent laws are in place to prevent smear campaigns targeting heads of state. Tungwarara noted that the UAE's disciplined approach to national governance had been a key factor in the country's continued success as a global economic powerhouse.

"Perhaps this explains why the UAE has managed to maintain its status as a global economic powerhouse. It is a system built on discipline, national pride, and a collective commitment to economic progress," Tungwarara concluded.

The ongoing political turmoil, sparked by calls for the President's resignation, continues to cast a shadow over Zimbabwe's investment climate, with experts warning that prolonged instability could jeopardize efforts to foster economic recovery.