In the dry lands of Zimbabwe, politics is always full of drama. Leaders change, but the game of power and control stays the same. On December 14, 2018, President Emmerson Mnangagwa took center stage at Zanu PF’s Annual National People’s Conference at Mzingwane High School, Esigodini. About 5000 people attended, watching closely as Mnangagwa aimed to strengthen his rule and plan for re-election in 2023.

Mnangagwa became president after a bloodless coup that removed the long-time leader, Robert Mugabe. Mnangagwa had only been president for three months and 18 days, but he was already planning for the 2023 elections. When he first took power, he made a deal with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. This deal, made during the chaos of the coup, said that Mnangagwa would serve only one term. However, as things settled, Mnangagwa’s ambitions grew. He started to remove his former allies, clearing the way for his continued leadership.

Chiwenga, who had played a key role in the coup, found himself on the outside as Mnangagwa worked to secure his power. Mnangagwa didn’t stop with purging internal rivals. After a controversial and disputed election, filled with accusations of fraud, Mnangagwa remained president. He now aims for not just a second term, but a third.

Mnangagwa’s focus has also turned to the main opposition party, the CCC. He wants to reduce their numbers in parliament and gain a two-thirds majority. This majority is important for his bigger plan: changing the constitution to allow him to run for a third term after 2028. Officially 81 years old, though some say he is 85, Mnangagwa’s determination to stay in power despite his age shows his strong desire for control.

The stakes are high as Mnangagwa navigates a political landscape full of conflict. Every move he makes is to ensure a longer stay in power. This pursuit happens while Zimbabwe faces a crisis, suffering from years of economic problems and political trouble under Zanu PF’s rule.

Now, as Mnangagwa tries to extend his leadership beyond 2028, Zimbabwe’s democracy hangs in the balance. He wants to stay president until 2033, ending his third term at the age of 91, or 96 according to some. This shows the deep-rooted culture of political entrenchment that has troubled Zimbabwe for 43 years.

Mnangagwa’s political journey is a story of betrayal, ambition, and a strong desire for power. This reflects the larger political problems in Zimbabwe. As Mnangagwa moves through these difficult political times towards an uncertain future, this period will become a significant part of Zimbabwe’s complex political history.

In summary, Mnangagwa’s rise to power and his ongoing quest to stay in control demonstrate the continuous struggle for power in Zimbabwe. His actions and ambitions show a leader who is not ready to step down, highlighting the challenges the country faces in its political landscape. The future remains uncertain as Zimbabwe watches closely, waiting to see what the next chapter in its political story will be.