Zimbabwe is once again engulfed in political instability

Zimbabwe is once again engulfed in political instability as tensions within the ruling Zanu-PF party escalate over the contentious issue of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's potential third term in office. The power struggle pits Mnangagwa against his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, in a battle that has exposed deep divisions within the ruling party and raised concerns over the country's future stability.

At the center of the turmoil is Blessed Geza, a militant war veteran and expelled Zanu-PF central committee member, who has openly called for Mnangagwa's resignation. Geza has fiercely opposed Mnangagwa's bid to extend his rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit, labeling it a "dictatorship that lacks wisdom and empathy." While Mnangagwa denies pushing for a third term, insiders suggest his allies are working to amend the constitution to allow him to remain in power until 2030, disguising it as an extension of his second term.

Geza, a former Zanla combatant, has not minced words in his criticism of Mnangagwa, accusing him of betraying the liberation struggle's ideals. He has issued ultimatums for the president to step down, threatened to occupy the State House, and hinted at a "final push" against Mnangagwa's rule. While he later denied responsibility for some of these threats posted on social media, his defiant stance has sparked alarm within Zanu-PF and among political observers.

Geza's actions have drawn parallels to the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's resistance against former President Robert Mugabe, whom Mnangagwa and Chiwenga ousted in a 2017 coup. However, Geza insists his fight is not just about internal Zanu-PF politics but about liberating all Zimbabweans from Mnangagwa's authoritarian rule.

Zanu-PF responded by expelling Geza, citing his remarks as disciplinary breaches. Despite this, Geza has continued to rally support from war veterans and other factions disillusioned with Mnangagwa's leadership. War veterans, a key constituency in Zanu-PF, have been vocal in their criticism, arguing that Mnangagwa was never a frontline combatant during the liberation war and lacks legitimacy to lead the party.

Mnangagwa's presidency, which began in 2017 after Mugabe's removal, was initially seen as a chance for reform and renewal. However, his tenure has been marked by continued authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement. Promises of a "new dispensation" have given way to allegations of nepotism, corruption, and repression, deepening public discontent.

The international community has also taken note of Mnangagwa's leadership failings. The United States and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on his close allies for their roles in human rights violations and corruption. These measures have further isolated his government, complicating efforts to address Zimbabwe's economic and political crises.

The current power struggle within Zanu-PF highlights two major threats to Mnangagwa's rule. First, the growing discontent among the populace poses a challenge to his authoritarian control. Should the military withdraw its support, Mnangagwa may struggle to maintain his grip on power. Second, the fragmentation within the Zanu-PF elite raises the specter of an internal coup, as those who once supported his rise to power now seek to oust him.

Mnangagwa's ability to navigate these challenges will depend on key power brokers such as the military, war veterans, and the broader populace. As tensions rise, the stakes for Zimbabwe's future remain high, with the nation once again at a crossroads between continued authoritarianism and the potential for democratic reform.