A faction within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party attempted to oust Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, reflecting internal strife as factions prepare for the 2028 elections. The plot was halted amidst fierce party infighting, with Chiwenga seen as a threat to President Mnangagwa’s ambitions. The opposition claims these struggles distract from critical national economic challenges.
In a revealing exposé by The Standard, a faction within Zimbabwe’s Zanu PF party loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa is said to have attempted to unseat Vice President Constantino Chiwenga during a recent central committee meeting. This plot was reportedly thwarted by intense infighting among party members, underscoring rising tensions as factions vie for dominance ahead of the 2028 elections.
Chiwenga, whose previous military experience was instrumental in Mnangagwa’s rise to power in 2017, has become a significant target for some party leaders who perceive his presidential aspirations as a challenge to Mnangagwa. Reports indicate that Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has outlined plans for Mnangagwa to maintain his position until 2030, exacerbating concerns among Chiwenga’s critics.
The allegations suggest that Chiwenga is viewed by certain Zanu PF members as a political rival, leading to orchestrated attempts to marginalize him within the party. Speculation surrounds the potential replacement of Chiwenga with benefactor Kudakwashe Tagwirei, with discussions reportedly underway regarding this leadership transition, although resistance from Chiwenga’s supporters remains strong.
Furthermore, it has been suggested that recent changes in government ministries, including Chiwenga’s dual role as Minister of Health and Vice President, are part of a larger strategy aimed at diminishing his influence. Political analysts interpret these developments as evidence of significant internal divisions within Zanu PF, with uncertain prospects for the party’s future leadership.
Commentary from anonymous political analysts indicates that Chiwenga’s ability to maintain substantial military support complicates any efforts to remove him. The ongoing factional disputes are viewed as detrimental not only to the party but also to national stability, especially with protests scheduled for March 31. The opposition parties have emphasized that the discord within Zanu PF highlights a leadership more preoccupied with power struggles than with resolving Zimbabwe’s economic issues.
The allegations of a plot to remove Vice President Constantino Chiwenga reveal deep divisions within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party, primarily centered around emerging factionalism and leadership ambitions. With the context of upcoming elections and political volatility, the unfolding events warrant close scrutiny as they could significantly impact the stability of the party and the nation at large. The resistance from Chiwenga’s supporters may further complicate the leadership dynamics within Zanu PF, adding to the challenges facing the ruling party amidst broader socio-economic issues.
Original Source: www.thezimbabwemail.com
