War veteran Blessed Geza recently claimed lawmakers support impeaching President Emmerson Mnangagwa because of mental health issues. Just days after his call for protests emptied Zimbabwe's streets, Geza made these bold statements. He specifically alleged that the 82-year-old president suffers from vascular dementia, saying close allies like businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei have taken over many presidential duties. These accusations echo similar claims made previously by Saviour Kasukuwere, a former cabinet minister who fled the country.
Presidential spokesman George Charamba had previously dismissed Kasukuwere by questioning his medical credentials. Geza broadcasted his messages through YouTube and urged mass protests on March 31 to remove Mnangagwa from power. Most Zimbabweans stayed home that day, fearing possible violent confrontations between protesters and security forces. Despite this limited turnout, Geza declared victory for the stay-away and continues pushing his belief that Mnangagwa can be removed before his term ends in 2028.
Appearing in military clothes during his YouTube video, Geza insisted the president lacks the mental fitness to lead Zimbabwe. He claimed to possess copies of medical results showing Mnangagwa suffers from vascular dementia. According to Geza, the president's doctors informed him of this condition, and his family knows about it. He further alleged that corrupt business associates make the president sign documents that allow them to steal from the country, adding that Mnangagwa recently failed to recognize energy minister July Moyo.
The Zimbabwe constitution requires several steps for impeachment. Both houses of Parliament must meet together and vote by simple majority that the president should be removed. Valid reasons include the inability to perform duties because of physical or mental problems. After this vote, a nine-member committee investigates the removal request. The president has the right to respond to all allegations under the Constitution. If the committee recommends removal, both houses meet again and must vote with a two-thirds majority to remove the president immediately.
Many doubt that Geza has enough support in Parliament for this process. Until recently, he served on the Zanu PF central committee before being kicked out. If Mnangagwa were impeached, either Deputy President Constantino Chiwenga or Kembo Mohadi would take over, depending on who last served as acting president. Health problems have kept Mohadi from many public events, suggesting that Chiwenga would likely become president. New elections would need to happen within 90 days. Chiwenga, who led the coup against former president Robert Mugabe as a military general, has publicly received Geza's support but hasn't commented on these efforts to remove Mnangagwa.
Presidential spokesman George Charamba had previously dismissed Kasukuwere by questioning his medical credentials. Geza broadcasted his messages through YouTube and urged mass protests on March 31 to remove Mnangagwa from power. Most Zimbabweans stayed home that day, fearing possible violent confrontations between protesters and security forces. Despite this limited turnout, Geza declared victory for the stay-away and continues pushing his belief that Mnangagwa can be removed before his term ends in 2028.
Appearing in military clothes during his YouTube video, Geza insisted the president lacks the mental fitness to lead Zimbabwe. He claimed to possess copies of medical results showing Mnangagwa suffers from vascular dementia. According to Geza, the president's doctors informed him of this condition, and his family knows about it. He further alleged that corrupt business associates make the president sign documents that allow them to steal from the country, adding that Mnangagwa recently failed to recognize energy minister July Moyo.
The Zimbabwe constitution requires several steps for impeachment. Both houses of Parliament must meet together and vote by simple majority that the president should be removed. Valid reasons include the inability to perform duties because of physical or mental problems. After this vote, a nine-member committee investigates the removal request. The president has the right to respond to all allegations under the Constitution. If the committee recommends removal, both houses meet again and must vote with a two-thirds majority to remove the president immediately.
Many doubt that Geza has enough support in Parliament for this process. Until recently, he served on the Zanu PF central committee before being kicked out. If Mnangagwa were impeached, either Deputy President Constantino Chiwenga or Kembo Mohadi would take over, depending on who last served as acting president. Health problems have kept Mohadi from many public events, suggesting that Chiwenga would likely become president. New elections would need to happen within 90 days. Chiwenga, who led the coup against former president Robert Mugabe as a military general, has publicly received Geza's support but hasn't commented on these efforts to remove Mnangagwa.
