Zanu PF’s Brewing Factional Storm: Chiwenga’s Position Under Threat from “2030ists”

In Zimbabwe’s political landscape, internal battles within Zanu PF are escalating at a dangerous pace. The Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, finds his role under siege by a faction of the “2030ists.”

This development brings chilling reminders of past political dramas within the party, particularly the ousting of former Vice President Joyce Mujuru in 2014. It’s history threatening to repeat itself.

The faction’s apparent endgame is to replace Chiwenga with Senate President, Marbel Chinomona. This move, strikingly bold, could cause a significant power shift, unsettling Zanu PF’s already shaky foundation.

Chiwenga’s potential removal holds more significance beyond the party walls. The Vice President is not merely a political figure; he carries deep military ties. His involvement in the 2017 coup that propelled Mnangagwa to power underscores his influence.

However, despite his military roots, elements within the ruling party now view Chiwenga as a threat. His diminishing political allies open doors for fresh faces like Chinomona, who has gained significant political clout as a loyal Mnangagwa supporter.

But why now? What makes this power struggle different? The stakes are considerably high. Zimbabwe faces tremendous economic woes. Inflation continues to soar, and discontent grows among ordinary citizens.

Zanu PF needs a unified front to face these challenges ahead of the 2028 elections. The 2030ists, positioning themselves as forward-thinking players, believe Chinomona would secure the party’s future far better than Chiwenga could.

Yet the risks associated with such a dramatic change are impossible to ignore. Chiwenga’s removal could provoke unrest within the military ranks, destabilizing Mnangagwa’s government from within. His military connections are not easily severed.

Comparisons between Chiwenga’s situation and Mujuru’s are inevitable. In 2014, accusations of plotting Mugabe’s downfall led to Mujuru’s ouster, creating a power vacuum for Mnangagwa’s rise. Chiwenga’s potential departure could signal a similar seismic shift.

However, Mujuru lacked military backing, a critical advantage Chiwenga holds. Removing a figure so deeply tied to Zimbabwe’s military history could ripple far beyond political corridors.

It raises pressing questions. Can Mnangagwa’s leadership withstand this kind of factional warfare? The 2030ists’ agenda suggests that they are not just eyeing Chiwenga’s position but plotting a broader reconfiguration of power within Zanu PF.

Chinomona’s potential rise would undoubtedly alter the balance of power, creating an entirely new political dynamic. Her loyalty to Mnangagwa makes her an attractive candidate for those seeking to solidify the president’s control.

Yet, as history has shown, political loyalty can shift unexpectedly. And as Chiwenga has learned, even a once-unshakable political stronghold can weaken with time.

Factionalism has long plagued Zanu PF, often leading to sharp internal divisions. The current struggle risks further fragmenting the party at a time when it needs stability most.

Zimbabwe’s broader political and economic challenges make this power struggle all the more dangerous. As inflation surges and public anger grows, Zanu PF’s leadership must project strength, not internal discord.

The stakes for Chiwenga, however, are personal. His political survival depends on outmaneuvering the faction seeking his downfall. Whether he can leverage his military connections and retain his position remains to be seen.

As Zimbabwe watches these political machinations unfold, one thing is certain: the coming weeks are crucial for Zanu PF. The balance of power within the party is at risk, and the outcome of this internal battle could shape Zimbabwe’s future for years to come.

Zanu PF’s internal conflict only adds fuel to the fire. Chiwenga’s fate remains uncertain, but his potential downfall could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Zimbabwean politics.

The Zim Bulletin