Harare-(LM) Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is confronting what experts describe as the most significant threat to his rule as a succession battle intensifies ahead of the general elections scheduled for 2028.
Recent efforts by Mnangagwa and his supporters to extend his presidency until 2030 have sparked widespread calls for his resignation from within his own party, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF). Protests calling for the president to step down have emerged, leading to unprecedented public dissent against his leadership.
The turmoil has prompted Mnangagwa to dismiss several top security officials, a strategy analysts suggest is aimed at safeguarding his position and preventing a potential coup. Historically, dissent within ZANU-PF has been rare, making the current wave of protests particularly alarming for the embattled president.
On Monday, demonstrators took to the streets in protests organized by a prominent ZANU-PF member, signaling a significant shift in the party’s dynamics and a growing rift among its ranks.
Zimbabwe has long struggled with political crises that have contributed to economic stagnation, rampant unemployment, and pervasive government dysfunction. Over the past two decades, hyperinflation has decimated the economy, erasing the savings of ordinary citizens and pushing the country to the brink of collapse.
As the political landscape shifts, the future of Mnangagwa’s presidency hangs in the balance, with increasing pressure from both within and outside his party. The unfolding situation raises concerns about stability in Zimbabwe as the nation approaches a pivotal election year.
Leadership Magazine
