President Emmerson Mnangagwa, known for his penchant for international travel and the hefty travel allowances that accompany it, has made a surprising decision: he will not be attending the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.
This unexpected move has sparked speculation and raised eyebrows, particularly given the crucial Zanu PF annual conference scheduled for Bulawayo next month.
The UN trip was meant to be a platform for Mnangagwa to address the world on the theme of “Leaving no one behind,” a mantra he often uses. This theme is particularly relevant given the current global landscape, with world leaders gathering to discuss solutions to interconnected challenges such as peace, security, and sustainable development.
The UN General Assembly is seen as a crucial platform for global leaders to engage on these issues, and Mnangagwa’s absence has raised questions about his commitment to international engagement.
However, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, George Charamba, the President’s absence was attributed to a “dense programme in the last quarter of 2024.”
This explanation, however, rings hollow in the face of the escalating political and security anxieties surrounding Mnangagwa’s leadership. The recent helicopter crash landing at Masvingo Airport, just days after Mnangagwa celebrated his 82nd birthday at Great Zimbabwe, has further fuelled concerns about his safety.
The helicopter was set to fly Mnangagwa back to Harare from Masvingo province, where he had celebrated his birthday on a day he declared “Munhumutapa Day,” a day intended to be commemorated annually across the nation.
“Munhumutapa Day” is steeped in historical significance, symbolism, and imperial ambition, as Mnangagwa is attempting to extend his rule beyond the constitutional limit of two terms, aiming for a potential stay in power until 2030. This ambition has divided his already deeply fractured ruling party and the nation, making him politically insecure and vulnerable.
The crash, while Mnangagwa himself was not on board, has added to a growing list of incidents that have shaken his inner circle. These include the 2018 Bulawayo White City grenade attack, the January 2019 state of emergency amid anti-government protests, the 2021 Sandringham helicopter crash landing, the Victoria Falls bomb scare in March, and now the Masvingo Airport incident.
These incidents, coupled with the intensifying infighting within Zanu PF between Mnangagwa and his ambitious deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, have created a climate of uncertainty and fear. The push to extend Mnangagwa’s term beyond the constitutional limit has further divided the party and fuelled tensions, making his political position increasingly precarious.
“It’s very hot in the cockpit. Relations are frayed and the mistrust is deep. We are fast approaching a national crisis,” an insider told the News Hawks while reflecting the growing unease within Zanu PF.
The UN General Assembly, a platform for global leaders to engage on critical issues, has become a luxury that Mnangagwa can no longer afford. The decision to send Foreign Minister Frederick Shava in his place suggests a calculated move to maintain a semblance of normalcy while addressing the growing concerns about his safety and the political turmoil within his party.
The absence of Mnangagwa at the UN summit, however, sends a powerful message about the challenges facing his leadership. The growing political and security anxieties, coupled with the intensifying power struggles within Zanu PF, have created a climate of uncertainty and instability.
