I already know my last day as President: Mnangagwa speaks on handing over power (WATCH VIDEO)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has emphatically declared that he will step down in 2028, putting an end to mounting speculation that he intends to extend his tenure beyond his second and final term.

Speaking to a gathering of Zimbabwean expatriates in Beijing, China, where he is attending the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, President Mnangagwa, a self-proclaimed “constitutionalist”, assured his audience that he holds the constitution in high regard.

“If there’re people you’re gossiping with saying the chief wants to extend his term, forget it, I don’t want,” President Mnangagwa said as he was responding directly to a question from the audience.

“The people of Zimbabwe gave me a lot to plough and when I’m finished others will come and plough their own section.”

He went on to state unequivocally, “So, this question of having a third term does not arise, especially under my watch, no. I’m in my second term and I already know the date I’m stepping down as president. In 2028 I’m retiring to my home and others will come in. So, if there are people entertaining such thoughts [third term] tell them to perish the idea, that’s not in my plans.”

He has repeated the message and this time from lands afar directing it to the unconstitutionalists in bato. Will this kill the talk? pic.twitter.com/nqCWKJHivb

— Gerrard Anko Ged Belts (@MacBelts) September 2, 2024

President Mnangagwa’s pronouncements come amidst a backdrop of growing calls from within his own party, Zanu PF, for him to remain in power beyond 2028. Several provincial chairpersons, along with the women’s and youth wings of the party, have openly voiced support for extending his term, citing his performance as president.

This clamour for a third term has been met with a united front from the fractious opposition parties, who have vowed to resist any attempt to amend the constitution to allow for such a move.

The prospect of a constitutional amendment to extend President Mnangagwa’s term faces significant hurdles. It would require a complex process, potentially involving two national referendums, and would likely face strong opposition from both within Zanu PF and from the opposition parties.

Some within Zanu PF are reportedly backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as the next leader of the party, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape.

While President Mnangagwa has consistently rejected the idea of extending his term, his supporters have been actively campaigning across the country, chanting the slogan “2030 VaMnangagwa Vanenge Varipo Vachitonga” (2030 Mnangagwa Will Be There, Ruling). This vocal support, coupled with the growing calls from within his party, has fuelled speculation that President Mnangagwa may be considering a change of heart.

However, President Mnangagwa’s emphatic pronouncements in Beijing appear to be a clear attempt to quell these rumours and to reaffirm his commitment to the constitution.