Tensions Rise as Zimbabwe Protests Mnangagwa

Zimbabwe faces a political storm as President Mnangagwa wants to keep ruling after his term ends in 2028. People across the country might join protests next Monday that war veterans have planned. These former fighters want Vice President Chiwenga to take charge because they believe Mnangagwa has done a poor job of fixing the bad economy.

Professor Ricky Mukonza from Tshwane University says this looks just like what happened in 2017 when Robert Mugabe lost his position. Chiwenga ran the army back then and made that change happen. According to Mukonza, military power matters a lot in Zimbabwe politics. Chiwenga still has many friends in the armed forces today.

The real question remains about who actually controls the army right now. Whoever has the military on their side usually wins these power fights in Zimbabwe. This pattern has shaped the country for years. The upcoming protests could test which leader the soldiers truly supported.

Mukonza points out that having military backing almost always decides who runs Zimbabwe. The current tension between the president and his deputy shows how fragile leadership can be. Monday may reveal whether citizens will stand with war veterans against Mnangagwa or stay home instead.