Mnangagwa’s Third Term Gambit: A Nation Held Hostage by Power-Hungry Elites
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s political allies are once again pushing a dangerous agenda—an attempt to extend his rule beyond the 2028 constitutional limit. This is despite his recent assurances to select media editors that he has no intention of staying beyond his second term. However, if history has taught us anything, it is that ZANU PF’s words and actions rarely align.
The push for a 2030 campaign trail is not just a betrayal of the constitution but also an open defiance of a growing faction within the ruling elite. War veterans, once instrumental in Mnangagwa’s rise to power, are now demanding his exit, citing corruption, nepotism, and a kleptocratic government that benefits only a select few. The Zimbabwe National War Veterans Association chairman, Ethan Mathibela, has openly called for Mnangagwa to step down, declaring that he has dismally failed the nation. These are not just isolated voices; they reflect the frustration of many who once stood by Mnangagwa, believing he would usher in a new era after ousting Robert Mugabe in 2017.
The internal conflict within ZANU PF has now reached a boiling point. War veteran leader Blessed Geza has been forced into hiding, facing criminal charges simply for calling out Mnangagwa’s failures. Meanwhile, journalist Blessed Mhlanga has been arrested and detained without bail for airing the war veterans’ video attacks on Mnangagwa. This shows the extent of the regime’s paranoia—it no longer tolerates even internal criticism.
Mnangagwa’s political allies, including figures like Owen Ncube, Daniel Garwe, and Tino Machakaire, are now engaged in a deceptive maneuver to “persuade him to be persuaded” into staying beyond 2028. This thinly veiled scheme is nothing more than a calculated move to lay the groundwork for a third term. Mnangagwa himself has played along with this charade, stating that he will not be “persuaded by persuaders” to stay on. Yet, the actions of his inner circle suggest otherwise.
The irony is that Mnangagwa, the man who came to power through a military coup, now claims to be a constitutionalist. If he were indeed committed to the constitution, he would have stepped down a long time ago, allowing Zimbabweans a real chance at democratic governance. Instead, he has entrenched a system where political loyalty is rewarded with wealth, and dissent is met with intimidation and persecution.
Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads. The battle over Mnangagwa’s third term bid is not just a ZANU PF power struggle—it is a direct attack on democracy. The people of Zimbabwe must recognize this moment for what it is: a desperate attempt by a corrupt elite to cling to power at all costs. Mnangagwa’s continued rule will only deepen the suffering of ordinary citizens, while his cronies enrich themselves further.
The war veterans, who once fought for the country’s liberation, are now fighting for its survival. Their rejection of Mnangagwa is a clear sign that his grip on power is weakening. However, the road ahead is dangerous. If history repeats itself, the regime will resort to violence, intimidation, and arrests to silence opposition.
Zimbabweans cannot afford to be spectators in this unfolding crisis. The fight against Mnangagwa’s third-term ambitions is not just about removing one man—it is about dismantling a system that has held the nation hostage for decades. The people must stand firm, resist dictatorship, and demand real change. The future of Zimbabwe depends on it.
