Allies of Mnangagwa Stumble in Major Setback for Zanu-PF Power Struggle

The unexpected political shake-up within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party reveals deepening fault lines. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s loyalists, war veterans Christopher Mutsvangwa and Victor Matemadanda, suffered significant defeats in the just-concluded Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association elective congress.

The congress, held at the Zanu-PF Convention Centre in Gweru, ended with Mutsvangwa, the former war veterans’ leader, securing only 11 votes against Cephas Ncube’s overwhelming 294. Matemadanda, another key Mnangagwa ally, also fell short, landing third place with just 75 votes. This outcome signals a remarkable shift within a historically crucial constituency that Zanu-PF has long depended on.

These losses come at a time when the political influence of war veterans within the party seems to be waning. Historically, war veterans were seen as the backbone of Zanu-PF’s power structure, but this recent congress, delayed since 2018, demonstrates shifting allegiances. The dominance of Cephas Ncube, the new chairperson, highlights a factional rise aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

Mutsvangwa’s defeat, combined with Matemadanda’s poor showing, raises questions about Mnangagwa’s influence. Both men were vocal advocates for the president’s leadership. Yet, their losses suggest a growing internal divide, with Chiwenga’s camp gaining ground as party members navigate increasingly turbulent waters.

Chiwenga, whose supporters now appear to dominate the war veterans’ executive, could leverage these recent victories to strengthen his standing in the broader Zanu-PF power struggle. Notably, Shorai Nyamangondo was elected as vice chairperson, along with Joel Murerengwa as Secretary-General, further consolidating the Chiwenga faction’s position. With strategic figures such as Thomas Manyima in Legal Affairs and Sanik Nguni overseeing Security, the executive composition underscores this faction’s growing power.

This turn of events holds profound implications, particularly as Mnangagwa and Chiwenga jostle for control of the party ahead of Zanu-PF’s upcoming annual conference in Bulawayo later this month. The defeats of Mutsvangwa and Matemadanda are not mere electoral results—they represent deeper political undercurrents. Many are questioning whether Mnangagwa’s stronghold is beginning to crumble, especially as talks swirl about his ambition to extend his presidency beyond the 2028 constitutional term limit, potentially to 2030.

Though Mnangagwa denies these allegations, the narrative of a brewing succession crisis remains strong. Chiwenga, who played a pivotal role in bringing Mnangagwa to power in 2017 following Robert Mugabe’s ousting, is increasingly seen as a potential challenger to the president’s continued rule.

Mnangagwa’s leadership, initially billed as a new era, has often been criticized for perpetuating the same policies seen under Mugabe, dampening expectations of reform and democratic renewal.

As Zimbabwe watches the interplay between these two leaders, it is evident that the defeat of Mnangagwa’s allies could reshape the balance of power within Zanu-PF. With the party’s next major conference fast approaching, this internal tug-of-war raises the stakes for both Mnangagwa and Chiwenga.

The congress results have left many analysts pondering whether Zanu-PF is heading towards a political realignment, one that could determine not just the future of the party, but also Zimbabwe’s broader political direction.

The war veterans, once celebrated for their role in the liberation struggle, now find themselves at the heart of Zanu-PF’s most pressing leadership contest. How Mnangagwa navigates this new challenge may define his political legacy, especially if Chiwenga’s camp continues to gain traction. Yet, the outcome of this power battle remains uncertain, with both leaders fighting to secure their positions.

At the core of these developments lies Zimbabwe’s broader socio-political landscape. Since Mnangagwa’s rise to power, there has been an overwhelming sense that Zimbabwe needed more substantial reforms to break away from the Mugabe era. But as economic hardships persist, the political class remains embroiled in power struggles.

The latest events will undoubtedly shape Zimbabwe’s future. Will Mnangagwa be able to maintain his grip on the party, or will Chiwenga’s faction further erode his authority? Political observers are closely monitoring the situation, particularly as whispers of a Chiwenga-led faction grow louder. The road to Zanu-PF’s future seems uncertain, leaving both supporters and detractors to question what lies ahead.

As the dust settles on the war veterans’ congress, the spotlight turns to Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. Their rivalry represents not just a fight for control within Zanu-PF, but a battle for Zimbabwe’s political soul, as the country looks to an uncertain future.

The Zim Bulletin