Mliswa blasts VP Chiwenga as a weak, naive leader

Former legislator Temba Mliswa attacked Vice President Constantino Chiwenga for lacking political support within Zimbabwe's ruling party as internal factions compete for succession. Mliswa claimed Chiwenga abandoned his military authority as Commander of Defence Forces for a weaker government position under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The critic suggested Chiwenga cannot build grassroots backing from ward to national levels and operates without party infrastructure.

Mliswa supports businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as a presidential candidate alongside efforts to extend Mnangagwa's administration until 2030. Chiwenga failed to block Tagwirei from joining the Central Committee last week, despite having attempted to prevent his membership. The vice president led the military operation that removed Robert Mugabe from power and installed Mnangagwa but his current military influence remains uncertain.

Mliswa questioned Chiwenga's judgment in abandoning his defense post for the vice presidency. He argued that war veterans and soldiers have lost respect for Chiwenga because their conditions deteriorated under his leadership. The former parliamentarian stated Chiwenga lacks supporters who would advocate for his presidential ambitions within party structures.