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Chiwenga's opposition to Mnangagwa term extension sparks hopes
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Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's public opposition to the proposed extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term has injected a glimmer of hope among those opposing the move. However, analysts caution that halting the extension will require more than just Chiwenga's voice.
Chiwenga's stance has become a beacon for critics within Zimbabwe's political landscape, where opposition parties remain weak, civil society is disorganized, and space for dissent continues to shrink. As Zanu-PF members push for the extension of Mnangagwa's term, known as Agenda 2030, the vice president has positioned himself as a vocal opponent. He has denounced corruption and distanced himself from calls for Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2030, refusing to support the pro-term extension movement.
Despite Chiwenga's opposition, experts believe a broader coalition of forces is needed to counter the push for constitutional change. Analysts point to the support Chiwenga has received from influential war veterans, echoing the dynamics that unfolded in 2017 when Mnangagwa capitalized on the backing of the same group to oust former President Robert Mugabe. While the vice president's stand is notable, experts argue that a broader alliance involving diverse political actors will be necessary to challenge the 2030 movement effectively.
Admire Mare, a communications professor at the University of Johannesburg, suggests that the opposition to the term extension cannot rest on Chiwenga alone. "It is more than personalities; it's about various social forces," Mare told The Africa Report. He believes the constitutional debate will lead to a broad alliance of factions within Zanu-PF, opposition parties, and civil society groups who will push back against the term extension agenda.
Zimbabwe's opposition landscape remains fragmented, with Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa struggling to regain momentum after his resignation in January 2024. The weakening opposition, coupled with the decimation of civil society space, has left many Zimbabweans looking to Chiwenga as a potential counterbalance to Mnangagwa's tenure extension plans.
On 27 January, Chiwenga reaffirmed his stance against corruption, particularly accusing wealthy individuals known as mbingas of exploiting the country's resources. Speaking at the Heroes Acre in Harare, he stated, "Zimbabwe belongs to all of us. Corruption must end." His criticism of influential businessmen, such as Wicknell Chivayo, who has been linked to corruption investigations, has further solidified his image as a reformist figure within Zanu-PF.
Chiwenga's continued denunciation of corruption, particularly after the Zanu-PF-linked businessman's involvement in a scandal over election material procurement, positions him as an opponent of the political elite who has been accused of enriching themselves at the country's expense.
Political analysts such as Kudakwashe Munemo warn that Chiwenga's opposition to the term extension might not be enough to block the proposed changes. Munemo argues that only a mass movement involving citizens from all walks of life can prevent constitutional amendments aimed at extending presidential terms. He also points out that the militarization of state institutions has shifted the balance of power, making the opposition more challenging.
War veterans have historically played a significant role in Zimbabwean politics, and their involvement in this issue could be a crucial factor. Just as war veterans helped orchestrate Mnangagwa's rise in 2017, they are now rallying against the extension of term limits. Zanu-PF central committee member Blessed Runesu Geza, along with other veterans, has called for Mnangagwa to step down, citing issues like corruption and nepotism. Their support provides a vital base for Chiwenga's opposition.
Mare observes that the war veterans have often been at the forefront of factional battles within Zanu-PF, adding, "Last time it was Victor Matemadanda who was vocal against Mugabe; this time it's Blessing Geza, Knox Chitiyo, and Clive Malunga. History is repeating itself."
For Chiwenga, gaining support from war veterans is crucial as he faces a fading power base within the military. Many of his loyalists, once high-ranking military officers, have either died or been reassigned to diplomatic posts. Vivid Gwede, a political analyst, agrees that the war veterans' backing strengthens Chiwenga's position. However, he cautions that the broader dynamics of militarization might limit their influence.
Chiwenga's leadership in opposing the term extension comes at a time of significant political reconfiguration. Analysts believe that even opposition figures like Chamisa, once sidelined by state infiltration, will gradually emerge as critics of the 2030 Agenda. The re-emergence of former Mugabe loyalists, known as Generation 40 (G40), could further complicate the factional dynamics within Zanu-PF.
Chiwenga's vocal opposition and the backing from war veterans have brought the term extension debate into the public sphere. However, as Zimbabweans watch closely, it remains to be seen whether this opposition will coalesce into a unified movement capable of challenging Mnangagwa's agenda for the future.
Chiwenga's stance has become a beacon for critics within Zimbabwe's political landscape, where opposition parties remain weak, civil society is disorganized, and space for dissent continues to shrink. As Zanu-PF members push for the extension of Mnangagwa's term, known as Agenda 2030, the vice president has positioned himself as a vocal opponent. He has denounced corruption and distanced himself from calls for Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2030, refusing to support the pro-term extension movement.
Despite Chiwenga's opposition, experts believe a broader coalition of forces is needed to counter the push for constitutional change. Analysts point to the support Chiwenga has received from influential war veterans, echoing the dynamics that unfolded in 2017 when Mnangagwa capitalized on the backing of the same group to oust former President Robert Mugabe. While the vice president's stand is notable, experts argue that a broader alliance involving diverse political actors will be necessary to challenge the 2030 movement effectively.
Admire Mare, a communications professor at the University of Johannesburg, suggests that the opposition to the term extension cannot rest on Chiwenga alone. "It is more than personalities; it's about various social forces," Mare told The Africa Report. He believes the constitutional debate will lead to a broad alliance of factions within Zanu-PF, opposition parties, and civil society groups who will push back against the term extension agenda.
Zimbabwe's opposition landscape remains fragmented, with Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa struggling to regain momentum after his resignation in January 2024. The weakening opposition, coupled with the decimation of civil society space, has left many Zimbabweans looking to Chiwenga as a potential counterbalance to Mnangagwa's tenure extension plans.
On 27 January, Chiwenga reaffirmed his stance against corruption, particularly accusing wealthy individuals known as mbingas of exploiting the country's resources. Speaking at the Heroes Acre in Harare, he stated, "Zimbabwe belongs to all of us. Corruption must end." His criticism of influential businessmen, such as Wicknell Chivayo, who has been linked to corruption investigations, has further solidified his image as a reformist figure within Zanu-PF.
Political analysts such as Kudakwashe Munemo warn that Chiwenga's opposition to the term extension might not be enough to block the proposed changes. Munemo argues that only a mass movement involving citizens from all walks of life can prevent constitutional amendments aimed at extending presidential terms. He also points out that the militarization of state institutions has shifted the balance of power, making the opposition more challenging.
War veterans have historically played a significant role in Zimbabwean politics, and their involvement in this issue could be a crucial factor. Just as war veterans helped orchestrate Mnangagwa's rise in 2017, they are now rallying against the extension of term limits. Zanu-PF central committee member Blessed Runesu Geza, along with other veterans, has called for Mnangagwa to step down, citing issues like corruption and nepotism. Their support provides a vital base for Chiwenga's opposition.
Mare observes that the war veterans have often been at the forefront of factional battles within Zanu-PF, adding, "Last time it was Victor Matemadanda who was vocal against Mugabe; this time it's Blessing Geza, Knox Chitiyo, and Clive Malunga. History is repeating itself."
For Chiwenga, gaining support from war veterans is crucial as he faces a fading power base within the military. Many of his loyalists, once high-ranking military officers, have either died or been reassigned to diplomatic posts. Vivid Gwede, a political analyst, agrees that the war veterans' backing strengthens Chiwenga's position. However, he cautions that the broader dynamics of militarization might limit their influence.
Chiwenga's leadership in opposing the term extension comes at a time of significant political reconfiguration. Analysts believe that even opposition figures like Chamisa, once sidelined by state infiltration, will gradually emerge as critics of the 2030 Agenda. The re-emergence of former Mugabe loyalists, known as Generation 40 (G40), could further complicate the factional dynamics within Zanu-PF.
Chiwenga's vocal opposition and the backing from war veterans have brought the term extension debate into the public sphere. However, as Zimbabweans watch closely, it remains to be seen whether this opposition will coalesce into a unified movement capable of challenging Mnangagwa's agenda for the future.
Source - newsday
