Zimbabwe’s political climate is heating up amidst internal dissent against President Mnangagwa led by war veteran Blessed Geza, who has criticized him for corruption and nepotism. Despite claims Mnangagwa intends to step down, supporters are pushing for a third term linked to a development agenda. The economic crisis further complicates the situation, leading to apathy among the populace toward political succession debates.
Recent events in Zimbabwe have intensified the succession battle for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, spurred by criticism from within his ruling Zanu-PF party. Concerns were raised when a convoy of armored tanks was seen in Harare, although government officials described it as a routine military exercise.
For the first time since taking office in 2017, Mnangagwa faced internal dissent, with members calling for his resignation. This discontent echoes the circumstances leading to the coup that ousted former president Robert Mugabe. The rising discontent was notably voiced by war veteran Blessed Geza, known as “Bombshell.”
Geza criticized Mnangagwa’s leadership after party members discussed changing laws to allow for a third presidential term. He made inflammatory remarks, claiming Mnangagwa had escalated corruption and neglected the populace in favor of his family. As a result, he has been accused of treason and is now in hiding, while he continues to circulate defiant messages via social media.
Despite Mnangagwa’s confirmation of his intention to step down, tensions remain high. His supporters have been vocal about their desire for him to remain in power until 2030 to complete his development agenda, despite the constitutional term limits. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Zimbabwe recently cautioned against distractions from pressing economic issues facing ordinary Zimbabweans.
Zanu-PF has retaliated against Geza’s criticisms by expelling him and allied members, despite the concern that the public’s attention is apathetic to such internal conflicts. Political analysts suggest that unlike during Mugabe’s regime, the current political climate is marked by a lack of public mobilization and interest.
Geza has reportedly supported Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga in the succession debate, although divisions persist among war veterans regarding the 2030 agenda. Political analysts observe that grievances expressed by figures like Geza stem more from personal interests rather than a broad public concern.
Opposition leader Jameson Timba emphasized the dire economic conditions in Zimbabwe, encapsulating the struggles faced by citizens as critical issues overshadow the political drama. Timba himself has faced legal challenges, having been imprisoned for conducting a private gathering.
While the elections are set years away, the discourse surrounding succession underlines significant instability, suggesting that the debate is only set to escalate in the coming months.
The political landscape in Zimbabwe is currently charged with tension as President Mnangagwa faces internal criticism within Zanu-PF, led by figures like Blessed Geza. Despite calls for his resignation and debates around extending his term, public interest appears diminished compared to past political upheavals. The ongoing economic crisis exacerbates the situation, overshadowing the succession narrative. With elections years off, internal party struggles are likely to continue impacting the country’s future.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
