Mnangagwa set to pacify war veterans

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to hold a crucial meeting with Zimbabwe's war veterans in the coming weeks, amid increasing dissent within their ranks, with some calling for his resignation. The meeting, confirmed by Zanu-PF War Veterans League leader Douglas Mahiya, aims to address grievances among former liberation fighters.

The urgency of the gathering comes as a vocal faction, led by ex-combatant Blessed "Bombshell" Geza, openly demands Mnangagwa's departure, accusing him of corruption, nepotism, and plotting to extend his rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit.

Mahiya underscored the significance of the dialogue, saying it would allow war veterans to voice their concerns directly to the President. "After the successful launch of the War Veterans Welfare Fund, we saw it fit that comrades meet with their fellow fighter to discuss and spend the day together. The meeting is going to happen two to three weeks from now," Mahiya stated.

This engagement comes at a delicate time, as Geza intensifies his campaign against Mnangagwa's "ED2030" agenda, which critics view as a bid to extend his presidency beyond 2028. Geza has instead rallied support for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to take over.

Geza's vocal opposition has also drawn the attention of the state, with legal actions being taken against him. He recently called for a national shutdown and issued a 10-day ultimatum for Mnangagwa to resign, although he later distanced himself from a social media post making the threat.

The calls for Mnangagwa's resignation are not limited to Geza alone. The War Veterans Pressure Group (WVPG) has also criticized the President, accusing his administration of betraying the liberation struggle by compensating white former farmers displaced during the land reform programme.

"To that end, our perception of the situation in the country resonates with that expressed by comrades, specifically, Cde Geza and war-time commanders who are demanding change," the group said in a statement.

The growing unrest within Zanu-PF's traditional support base signals potential fractures in the ruling party. Analysts warn that discontent among war veterans played a crucial role in the 2017 coup that led to former President Robert Mugabe's ouster.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa's administration is rolling out the War Veterans Welfare Fund across all 10 provinces, led by Special Investments Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara. Each province is receiving US$150,000 in zero-percent revolving loans for war veterans to start projects, along with housing initiatives and solar-powered boreholes.

Tungwarara dismissed suggestions that the fund was a response to criticism from war veterans, insisting it was long planned. "These heroes battled tirelessly for our freedom. It is our responsibility to ensure their legacies endure," he said.

Tungwarara also took aim at social media campaigns calling for Mnangagwa's removal, warning, "You cannot challenge the President without confronting the entire presidium and Cabinet. We remain focused on positive efforts for Zimbabwe's future."

Political analyst Pardon Taodzera believes the planned dialogue is a strategic move to prevent further divisions within Zanu-PF. "By creating a platform for war veterans to voice their concerns, Mnangagwa acknowledges their significance while trying to maintain party unity," he said.

Taodzera noted that the timing of the meeting, coupled with the welfare initiatives, reflects a dual approach: offering economic support while attempting political reconciliation. "This isn't just about loans or a borehole — it's about securing their allegiance," he explained.

As Zimbabwe navigates political uncertainty, Mnangagwa's ability to manage the growing discontent within the war veterans' ranks may prove pivotal in shaping the country's political future.