Tensions Rise In Zimbabwe Over Mnangagwas Bid To Stay In Power

Tensions are rising in Zimbabwe over President Emmerson Mnangagwas intention to remain in power after his second term ends in 2028.

The country is bracing for what has been dubbed an uprising as liberation war veterans are rallying ordinary Zimbabweans to join tomorrows protests in their push to oust Mnangagwa. The former freedom fighters, who are backing Mnangagwas deputy Constantino Chiwenga to take over, feel that the president has failed to address the countrys struggling economy.

Associate Professor of Public Affairs at TUT, Ricky Mukonza, says the events are echoing a repeat of 2017 that led to the ousting of the late former president Robert Mugabe, led by Chiwenga, who was then the countrys military chief.

Youve got to understand the political dynamics in Zimbabwe and who seems to hold the power in Zimbabwean politics and anyone who has an influence in the military definitely has an influence on the power politics in that country. Its not a new phenomenon. The deputy president, Constantino Chiwenga, has been a leader of the army for some time and is considered to have a serious influence. What we wait to see is who has the real control of the army, says Mukonza.