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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 30054, member: 2262"] Armored tanks rolled through Harare neighborhoods recently, making many Zimbabweans worry about a possible military takeover. People asked questions on social media, remembering the 2017 coup. Government spokesman Nick Mangwana quickly told everyone this was just normal equipment testing. But people kept talking anyway, showing deep worries about the country's situation. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has heard harsh criticism from members of his Zanu-PF party for the first time since he took power in 2017. These attacks remind many of what happened before Robert Mugabe lost his job as president. Mugabe had ruled since 1980 as the hero who ended white-minority control, but war veterans stopped backing him before his fall. War veteran Blessed Geza, nicknamed "Bombshell," started the attacks against Mnangagwa. He became angry when party members tried changing laws to let Mnangagwa serve beyond two terms. During several angry press talks shared on social media, Geza repeatedly asked the 82-year-old president to leave office. Geza said, "I must apologize for helping him come into office." Geza accused "The Crocodile" of increasing corruption after tasting power. He claimed Mnangagwa forgot regular citizens and only cared about his family. The war veteran also said Mnangagwa gave state power to his wife and children. Zanu-PF became furious about these "disloyal" comments, later calling them treasonous, forcing Geza into hiding. Police want Geza on four charges, including car theft and encouraging public violence. He keeps making threats through social media about protests. Blessed Mhlanga, the reporter who first talked with Geza last November, faces arrest for sending messages that stir up violence. Problems started at Zanu-PF rallies last year when supporters chanted, "2030 he will still be the leader." The party backed this idea at their December meeting without directly mentioning a third term. They claimed Mnangagwa needed to stay to finish his development plans because he does such good work. Even though Mnangagwa recently promised to step down after his term ends in 2028, Catholic bishops have spoken up about the issue. Their letter last week warned that talk about 2030 distracts from real problems - businesses closing, high unemployment, widespread stealing, and money rules that help rich people but hurt everyday Zimbabweans. Presidential spokesman George Charamba told the state newspaper he felt disappointed about the church leaders' statement, claiming the matter had ended. Geza's message caused Zanu-PF to kick him and his friends out of the party. But expert Takura Zhangazha believes Geza cannot bring crowds to his cause. He says Zimbabweans care less about political drama these days, unlike 2017 when many people supported the army against Mugabe. "They lack that ability or interest anymore," Zhangazha said. He promised no repeat of 2017 before 2028, adding that Zimbabweans feel used from Mugabe's removal and will not march again for Zanu-PF's internal fights. The political landscape shows splits everywhere, including a weak opposition. Even war veterans disagree among themselves, with some backing Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga and others supporting Mnangagwa staying until 2030. Expert Alexander Rusero emphasizes the importance of understanding war veterans' role in Zimbabwe and Zanu-PF politics. "They view themselves as caretakers; you cannot dismiss what they say," he explained. But he thinks complaints from people like Geza come more from personal interest than public concern. "They feel left out from benefits they believe they deserve," he added. Zhangazha agrees that loyal party members usually receive government contracts, housing, land, fertilizer, and seeds. The opposition leader Jameson Timba says this shows the sad state of Zimbabwe politics. "The economy keeps getting worse. People barely afford one meal daily," Timba told reporters. He mentioned major stores closing across the country. Timba recently spent five months in jail, sitting on concrete floors in cells with 80 other people sharing one toilet. Police arrested him last June with more than 70 others for holding an "unlawful meeting" at his home during a barbecue celebrating International Day of the African Child. He believes this treatment shows how the government criminalizes opposition activities. "Any worthy leader facing these challenges would call early elections to check if people still support them," Timba argued. "Trying to extend your time in office instead makes no sense." But early voting seems unlikely. Geza remains hidden, elections remain years away, but debates about who replaces Mnangagwa continue heating up. [/QUOTE]

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