President Mnangagwa has turned against his loyal friend, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. The same man who brought Mnangagwa to power back in 2017 faces betrayal after years of personal sacrifice. Despite standing firmly beside Mnangagwa through two difficult elections, Chiwenga watches as his former ally tries to keep power longer than promised. What once looked like a clear path to becoming the next president has vanished for Chiwenga.
Mnangagwa wants to stay past 2028, starting a fierce battle over who comes next. He actively works against Chiwenga by firing his supporters, cutting his influence, and reducing him to just a figurehead. This follows an old pattern seen throughout history. People who grab power often push aside those who helped them, worried these allies might later challenge them or plan takeovers.
We see this in many historical examples. Napoleon got rid of generals after the French Revolution. Stalin eliminated rivals in Soviet Russia. African leaders like Idi Amin and Mobutu Sese Seko did similar things. Even Robert Mugabe kicked out loyal followers when he felt threatened. Mnangagwa acts the same way by dismissing security chiefs like Isaac Moyo from intelligence, Police Commissioner Matanga, and Army commander Sanyatwe.
The removal of Sanyatwe matters most because he helped with the 2017 takeover, showing that Mnangagwa wants to weaken Chiwenga's military connections. Chiwenga gave everything to Mnangagwa. He arranged his return from exile, led the military action against Mugabe, and supported him as he built his power base. Yet Mnangagwa constantly limited Chiwenga's authority.
Mnangagwa first made Chiwenga Vice President and Defense Minister with real power. Then, he gradually took those powers away, limiting control over military and government operations. Chiwenga clearly feels frustrated but faces tough choices. He can fight Mnangagwa directly, risking his career and safety, or watch his influence disappear slowly. Mugabe predicted this situation for him years ago.
Chiwenga must decide what happens next. With Mnangagwa making sure literally anyone but Chiwenga becomes the next leader, the Vice President might have no choice but to fight back or fade into political nothingness. His loyalty earned him betrayal instead of the presidency he expected after helping put Mnangagwa in charge of Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa wants to stay past 2028, starting a fierce battle over who comes next. He actively works against Chiwenga by firing his supporters, cutting his influence, and reducing him to just a figurehead. This follows an old pattern seen throughout history. People who grab power often push aside those who helped them, worried these allies might later challenge them or plan takeovers.
We see this in many historical examples. Napoleon got rid of generals after the French Revolution. Stalin eliminated rivals in Soviet Russia. African leaders like Idi Amin and Mobutu Sese Seko did similar things. Even Robert Mugabe kicked out loyal followers when he felt threatened. Mnangagwa acts the same way by dismissing security chiefs like Isaac Moyo from intelligence, Police Commissioner Matanga, and Army commander Sanyatwe.
The removal of Sanyatwe matters most because he helped with the 2017 takeover, showing that Mnangagwa wants to weaken Chiwenga's military connections. Chiwenga gave everything to Mnangagwa. He arranged his return from exile, led the military action against Mugabe, and supported him as he built his power base. Yet Mnangagwa constantly limited Chiwenga's authority.
Mnangagwa first made Chiwenga Vice President and Defense Minister with real power. Then, he gradually took those powers away, limiting control over military and government operations. Chiwenga clearly feels frustrated but faces tough choices. He can fight Mnangagwa directly, risking his career and safety, or watch his influence disappear slowly. Mugabe predicted this situation for him years ago.
Chiwenga must decide what happens next. With Mnangagwa making sure literally anyone but Chiwenga becomes the next leader, the Vice President might have no choice but to fight back or fade into political nothingness. His loyalty earned him betrayal instead of the presidency he expected after helping put Mnangagwa in charge of Zimbabwe.
