President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s reported push to extend his stay in office beyond the constitutionally permitted two terms has ignited open conflict within Zanu PF, pitting him against Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, the former general who orchestrated the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power.
The confrontation, which has spilled into party structures at provincial level, comes ahead of a key Zanu PF conference set for October 13–18, where Mnangagwa’s allies are lobbying for a resolution to extend his rule by two more years beyond 2028.
Chiwenga, widely seen as harbouring presidential ambitions, last week tabled a dossier before the politburo accusing businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei—a Mnangagwa ally under Western sanctions—of looting billions of dollars from party resources. Tagwirei has been positioned as a potential successor and recently pledged US$3 million to bankroll the October gathering.
The allegations came shortly after Tagwirei donated 300 vehicles to Zanu PF, a gesture critics say is linked to buying support for Mnangagwa’s extension bid. Another businessman, Wicknell Chivayo, also close to the president, recently donated vehicles, cash, and ambulances worth over US$4 million, presenting them as gifts to mark Mnangagwa’s 83rd birthday.
In his dossier, Chiwenga demanded the arrest of Tagwirei and Chivayo, alleging they diverted US$3.2 billion through opaque dealings to bankroll the third-term campaign.
Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa dismissed the claims as factional manoeuvres, urging Chiwenga to wait for Zanu PF’s 2027 elective congress if he wants to lead. “There are detractors who want to destabilise the party. Leadership change will come through a democratic process at congress,” he said.
A day later, Mnangagwa announced a politburo reshuffle, stripping one of Chiwenga’s allies of the powerful Secretary-General post in what observers saw as a tactical move to consolidate control ahead of the conference.
Analysts say the dispute has escalated to dangerous levels reminiscent of past factional wars. Eldred Masunungure, a political scientist, likened it to historical Zanu PF battles that often ended violently, though he cautioned against assuming the current turmoil signals the party’s downfall.
“This is not just a distraction,” Masunungure said. “The battles could turn either bloody or subtle, but there will certainly be winners and losers after October.”
Reuben Mbofana, another commentator, argued the reshuffle was meant to ensure Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda remains intact. “This is clearly about safeguarding his third-term bid,” he said.
The wrangling comes against the backdrop of Zanu PF’s history of military intervention in succession struggles. In 2017, the army, led by Chiwenga, removed Robert Mugabe after accusing him of purging rivals to pave the way for Grace Mugabe’s rise.
Although Mnangagwa has publicly denied interest in extending his rule, he has taken no steps to discourage his backers’ campaign for a constitutional amendment, leaving the party bracing for an intense showdown at next month’s conference.
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Source – TheEastAfrican
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