In Zimbabwe, a surprising turn of events has halted President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hopes for a third term in office. Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, with support from the military, has forced Mnangagwa to abandon plans to change the constitution to extend his rule. This comes after a tense political drama involving power shifts and strategic maneuvers.
President Mnangagwa, who came to power in 2017 following a military coup, had previously relied on the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and its operative wing, Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ), to maintain his grip on power during elections. This strategy, however, faced serious challenges from within his own ranks. Military leaders, unhappy with being sidelined, have now thrown their support behind Vice-President Chiwenga, significantly altering the power dynamics within the ruling party.
The shift became evident when Chiwenga’s ally, Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe, was appointed commander of the Zimbabwe National Army. This appointment reversed Mnangagwa’s earlier decision to assign Sanyatwe to an ambassadorial role, signaling a clear move to bolster Chiwenga’s influence in the military.
Despite these internal power struggles, Mnangagwa continued to explore ways to secure a third term. With support from Zanu PF youths, he subtly pushed for an extension of his presidency. However, the political environment proved too risky for such moves. Realizing the potential backlash, Mnangagwa publicly retreated, positioning himself as a defender of the constitution and the rule of law. In a recent interview, he firmly denied any ambitions for a third term, stressing his commitment to constitutional democracy.
Zimbabwe’s constitution makes it difficult to extend presidential terms. Any amendment to extend the term limit would require a two-thirds majority in parliament – an achievable but controversial goal. Furthermore, such changes would not benefit an incumbent but would apply only to future presidencies.
This political episode highlights the complex interplay of ambition, loyalty, and governance in Zimbabwe. As Mnangagwa steps back from his third-term ambitions, the nation remains attentive. In Zimbabwean politics, changes can happen quickly, and the future is always uncertain.
This power struggle within the ruling party just shows that Zimbabwe’s leadership is more concerned with personal ambitions than the well-being of the country. It’s disappointing to see the same old political games being played while ordinary Zimbabweans continue to suffer.
Mnangagwa’s retreat isn’t about defending the constitution; it’s about saving his own skin. The fact that he even considered a third term is proof enough that he’s no champion of democracy. This article paints Chiwenga as some kind of savior, but let’s not forget his own role in the military coup that brought Mnangagwa to power. It’s just more of the same corrupt leadership that has plagued Zimbabwe for years.
The article highlights the complexities of Zimbabwean politics, but at least Mnangagwa has recognized the dangers of trying to extend his rule. This could pave the way for a more democratic future if the trend continues.The fact that Mnangagwa backed down from his third-term ambitions shows that the political environment in Zimbabwe is not as easily manipulated as some might think. This could be a sign of growing checks and balances within the system.
It’s encouraging to see that the push for a third term has been stopped, signaling a commitment to upholding the constitution. Zimbabwe needs leaders who respect the rule of law, and this is a positive step in that direction.