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Mutsvangwa downplays Zanu-PF internal strife
13 hrs ago | Views
As internal rifts within ZANU PF continue to escalate, party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa on Thursday sidestepped questions about growing factionalism, insisting he was unaware of any tensions.
The ruling party is currently divided, with one faction advocating for the suspension of the 2028 elections to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule until 2030, while another, reportedly aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, insists on adhering to the constitutional two-term limit.
Neither Mnangagwa nor Chiwenga has publicly addressed the emerging power struggle, but tensions have been evident at national events. Recently, ZANU PF supporters were heard chanting rival slogans at Heroes Acre, with one group backing Mnangagwa and another supporting Chiwenga.
At a press conference held at ZANU PF headquarters, Mutsvangwa brushed off questions about the divisions, saying, "That question is new to me. I am trying to focus on things which have consequences."
However, signs of discord continue to emerge, with a faction of war veterans, led by outspoken member Blessed Geza, openly calling for Mnangagwa to step down, accusing him of overseeing a corrupt administration.
Mnangagwa has previously stated he will not seek another term beyond 2028, despite growing calls from some of his supporters for an extension of his rule.
Mutsvangwa indirectly took aim at Geza, suggesting he was being manipulated by forces seeking to unseat Mnangagwa.
"I have a lot of angst about the way he is being used by people who have a certain agenda. Comrade Geza, I do not know what other issues might be bothering you, but we, the war veterans, always remember… I wish he would not follow fools who are misleading him," Mutsvangwa said.
The ongoing power struggle bears striking similarities to past ZANU PF factional battles, particularly the infighting that led to the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe in 2017. With the 2028 elections approaching, tensions within the party are expected to intensify.
The ruling party is currently divided, with one faction advocating for the suspension of the 2028 elections to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule until 2030, while another, reportedly aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, insists on adhering to the constitutional two-term limit.
Neither Mnangagwa nor Chiwenga has publicly addressed the emerging power struggle, but tensions have been evident at national events. Recently, ZANU PF supporters were heard chanting rival slogans at Heroes Acre, with one group backing Mnangagwa and another supporting Chiwenga.
At a press conference held at ZANU PF headquarters, Mutsvangwa brushed off questions about the divisions, saying, "That question is new to me. I am trying to focus on things which have consequences."
However, signs of discord continue to emerge, with a faction of war veterans, led by outspoken member Blessed Geza, openly calling for Mnangagwa to step down, accusing him of overseeing a corrupt administration.
Mnangagwa has previously stated he will not seek another term beyond 2028, despite growing calls from some of his supporters for an extension of his rule.
Mutsvangwa indirectly took aim at Geza, suggesting he was being manipulated by forces seeking to unseat Mnangagwa.
"I have a lot of angst about the way he is being used by people who have a certain agenda. Comrade Geza, I do not know what other issues might be bothering you, but we, the war veterans, always remember… I wish he would not follow fools who are misleading him," Mutsvangwa said.
The ongoing power struggle bears striking similarities to past ZANU PF factional battles, particularly the infighting that led to the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe in 2017. With the 2028 elections approaching, tensions within the party are expected to intensify.
Source - NewZimbabwe
