A Silent Storm Brews Within Zanu PF: Chiwenga and Mnangagwa at Odds Over Corruption

A Silent Storm Brews Within Zanu PF: Vice President Chiwenga and President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe are no longer only hushed in conversation. A tempest is building that could completely alter the balance of power within Zanu PF.

The corridors of power trembled at Chiwenga’s recent assertion that corruption had turned into a national security danger. His remarks were not ignored, particularly in the case of Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa and General Anselem Sanyatwe’s seemingly routine agricultural excursion soon evolved into something more. The meeting, ostensibly centered on agricultural advancement, caused some controversy due to its real purpose.

Insiders in politics were suspicious, but Mnangagwa was more worried about what Chiwenga had said. Could Chiwenga be hinting at Mnangagwa or anyone close to him with his allegations? These queries are still very much alive.

These apprehensions are not baseless. Mnangagwa has been the subject of persistent accusations of corruption. Figures like Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu have been spoken about as being closely related to the President. In spite of this, Mnangagwa has consistently put up a front of control and shown no concern for these charges.

However, Chiwenga’s remarks provide a fresh front in their political conflict. Chiwenga quietly isolates himself from the system by emphasizing corruption as a threat to national security. Mnangagwa cannot overlook the increasing gap that his remarks represent.

These statements could hardly come at a more critical time. According to reports, the Zanu PF Women’s League is organizing a leadership change that would see a female vice president take Chiwenga’s position. If successful, this action would change the party’s power structure. Supporters of Chiwenga believe that Mnangagwa is deliberately undermining his opponent with this action.

Not everyone has overlooked the decision to bench Chiwenga. Chiwenga’s allies saw this as a part of a bigger scheme because they are already leery of Mnangagwa’s schemes. They see more in the Women’s League’s proposition than just gender equality. The goal is to strengthen Mnangagwa’s hold on power, lessen Chiwenga’s sway inside the party, and drive him farther out of the mainstream.

The fact that both leaders have recently decided to travel by road for engagements, claiming security concerns, adds to the drama. The choice to forego the last few government helicopters is indicative of more serious security and logistical issues, which may indicate a lack of confidence between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga.

Both men have chosen to use personal protection services. Mnangagwa’s need on private helicopters suggests the growing mistrust between them, as even travel-related issues take on significant political significance.

Chiwenga’s choice to travel with his close ally, Godfrey Gomwe, during a family funeral adds to the conjecture surrounding his upcoming political actions. Gomwe’s reputation, tarnished by contentious events, begs the issue of what kind of backing Chiwenga is receiving.

Meanwhile, the corruption charges have begun to take center stage. The team of Chiwenga seemed eager to magnify the charges made against Mnangagwa. This can signal the start of a risky stage in their competition.

Mnangagwa upholds a demeanor of control in public, dismissing accusations of corruption. However, Chiwenga’s comments have raised more serious issues. Is Mnangagwa’s hold on power slipping? Is the corruption problem his biggest vulnerability that could make him less valuable to Zanu PF?

Zanu PF’s power structure appears to be about to change as the Women’s League pushes to suggest changes to the organization’s leadership. Chiwenga’s team is aware that their influence may decline if they are not re-elected as vice president. However, they also understand that they might gain advantage if they expose corruption.

Should corruption emerge as the primary focal point of this internal conflict, Mnangagwa may find himself encircled. This time, his opponents might not be deterred by his past denial of claims. Chiwenga’s readiness to expose corruption suggests that he isn’t scared to question Mnangagwa’s authority.

Both sides are still trying to break the other’s will for the time being. The power fight is playing out in front of us and is no longer a subject of political conjecture.

Should Mnangagwa’s group succeed in suppressing the Women’s League’s plan, it could serve to briefly establish his authority. However, if the story about corruption spreads, Mnangagwa’s power may be undermined from within.

Within Zanu PF, the power dynamic is more precarious than ever. All eyes are on the next phase of this fierce political conflict as the Women’s League is ready to act.

The political climate in Zimbabwe may change significantly in the upcoming months. Mnangagwa’s furious response to Chiwenga’s accusations of corruption is an indication of a deeper conflict within the party rather than just a personal rivalry.

As Zanu PF sails through these tumultuous waters, one thing remains clear: the stakes have never been higher.

The Zim Bulletin