Some people in Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF want to hold protests because they need answers about whether President Emmerson Mnangagwa plans to stay longer than allowed. This has created major problems within the party. A team connected to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and military leaders demands that Mnangagwa step down before April starts. This fight has made everyone inside the party very nervous. The government security teams have promised they will stop any street demonstrations.
The big problem started because Mnangagwa, who is 82 years old, keeps saying different things. He claimed at least five times since last year that he would leave office when his term finishes in 2028. But his party works on changing the Constitution to let him rule for two more years. This would push elections back to 2030 and give him the power to pick who comes next. Former soldiers believe this plan is an attempt to block retired general Chiwenga from becoming president. Mnangagwa first became leader in 2017 after the army removed Robert Mugabe, who had run the country for almost forty years. The military helped Mnangagwa take charge, including Chiwenga, who played a big part.
Zanu-PF member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who just got kicked out of the party Tuesday, asked everyone to join protests on March 31. He called these protests an "uprising" against the government. After saying the President should resign, Geza disappeared but then showed up online wearing military clothes and telling citizens to march in the streets. Police arrested journalist Blessed Mhlanga because he reported on what Geza said about these protests. Security Minister Lovemore Matuke claimed these protests come from Zimbabweans living in other countries and said Mnangagwa remains popular with most people. He warned anyone thinking about protesting that security forces would "deal with" them.
Party spokesman Christopher Mutsvangwa publicly insulted Chiwenga during the weekend, calling him "illiterate" and saying he hurts the party's chances to win elections. Zanu-PF plans to hold a big meeting in 2027, where they will choose their next leader before the 2028 national election happens. Chiwenga has strong backing from military officers and remains very important in deciding who leads next. Experts say the army will make the final decision about the future of the political party. The tension between these powerful groups continues to grow as both sides refuse to back down.
The big problem started because Mnangagwa, who is 82 years old, keeps saying different things. He claimed at least five times since last year that he would leave office when his term finishes in 2028. But his party works on changing the Constitution to let him rule for two more years. This would push elections back to 2030 and give him the power to pick who comes next. Former soldiers believe this plan is an attempt to block retired general Chiwenga from becoming president. Mnangagwa first became leader in 2017 after the army removed Robert Mugabe, who had run the country for almost forty years. The military helped Mnangagwa take charge, including Chiwenga, who played a big part.
Zanu-PF member and war veteran Blessed Geza, who just got kicked out of the party Tuesday, asked everyone to join protests on March 31. He called these protests an "uprising" against the government. After saying the President should resign, Geza disappeared but then showed up online wearing military clothes and telling citizens to march in the streets. Police arrested journalist Blessed Mhlanga because he reported on what Geza said about these protests. Security Minister Lovemore Matuke claimed these protests come from Zimbabweans living in other countries and said Mnangagwa remains popular with most people. He warned anyone thinking about protesting that security forces would "deal with" them.
Party spokesman Christopher Mutsvangwa publicly insulted Chiwenga during the weekend, calling him "illiterate" and saying he hurts the party's chances to win elections. Zanu-PF plans to hold a big meeting in 2027, where they will choose their next leader before the 2028 national election happens. Chiwenga has strong backing from military officers and remains very important in deciding who leads next. Experts say the army will make the final decision about the future of the political party. The tension between these powerful groups continues to grow as both sides refuse to back down.
