Vice President Chiwenga laughs at President Mnangagwa’s promise to go in 2028… as Cde Bombshell Geza demands ED’s resignation

Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s pledge to step down at the end of his current term in 2028 is being met with scepticism, as factions within the ruling ZANU-PF party jostle for power. While Mnangagwa insists he is a “constitutionalist” and will relinquish office, his words are failing to quell the rising tensions and ambitions within the party.

“I am a constitutionalist. I have my two terms. When they come to an end, the country and the party will move on by electing my successor,” Mnangagwa declared at a briefing to local editors, broadcast on state television. “That is clear as day.”

However, the President’s assurances come amid growing calls from within ZANU-PF for a constitutional amendment that would allow him to remain in office beyond 2028. This push, spearheaded by a group known as the “2030 Movement”, is facing resistance from an increasingly vocal opposition, most notably Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

Chiwenga, a prominent figure within ZANU-PF and a key player in the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, has publicly denounced corruption and refused to endorse slogans demanding an extension of Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028. His stance is giving hope to those against the move, particularly within a political landscape where opposition voices are increasingly stifled.

“Hello Sir, my name is Annastacia Ndlovu, I’m a journalist from Voice of America (VOA – the producers of Studio 7),” the journalist introduced herself after managing to attract the Vice President’s attention as he walks away after the Youth Day celebrations held in Bulawayo on Friday 21 February where some visibly drunk youths aligned to Mnangagwa’s faction sang while defending the ED 2030 agenda.

“We hear the president saying he is not going to stand in 2030 but the people were singing…” she says as Chiwenga starts laughing and walks away without even responding to her.

The Vice President’s actions speak louder than words, his refusal to comment on Mnangagwa’s future only adds to the uncertainty, and his faction is fiercely opposed to Mnangagwa’s unpopular manoeuvres.

Adding fuel to the fire is Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, a ZANU-PF central committee member and war veteran, who has launched a blistering attack on Mnangagwa’s leadership. Geza, a former CIO officer (secret service) is now a celebrity war veteran, has been calling for President Mnangagwa’s departure for attempting to undermine the constitution and extend his term of office.

Geza accuses Mnangagwa of presiding over a corrupt government, cronyism, nepotism and a tanking economy. He has issued an ultimatum, demanding Mnangagwa step down or face serious consequences.

In interviews with Senior Journalist Blessed Mhlanga and at press conferences, Geza has made blunt comments about Mnangagwa’s controversial bid to cling to power beyond 2028, the time his constitutionally mandated two terms lapse.

“Zimbabwe belongs to all of us. Corruption must end,” Chiwenga declared at the Heroes Acre in Harare on 27 January, denouncing the “mbingas” – wealthy individuals – whom he accused of looting the country’s resources at the expense of the masses.

Mnangagwa has surrounded himself with controversial businessmen like Wicknell Chivayo, who is benefitting from government tenders. Chivayo was investigated last year by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission over a $100m Zimbabwe Electoral Commission deal to supply election material for the 2023 general election. According to the investigation, invoices were inflated by 30,000%.

The state has responded to Geza’s outspoken criticism with force. Police have launched a hunt for the war veteran, preferring charges of inciting public violence, undermining the authority of the president, and theft. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a chilling threat against anybody who could be harbouring the fierce agitator.

Geza has gained popularity since the beginning of this year when he launched a campaign against Mnangagwa’s bid to stay beyond 2028, a time when the Zimbabwean leader’s two term limit lapses. In his place, Geza wants VP Chiwenga to take over. His outspoken demands for Mnangagwa to dump his ED2030 mantra has invited the wrath of the state which has seen police open criminal charges against him.

Geza’s prosecution could be construed as victimisation on a man who has braved a brutal regime to decampaign Mnangagwa’s unpopular bid to stay on.

Amid this political turmoil, Zimbabwe’s civic space is shrinking. Civil society groups are forced to operate in the shadows, and the main opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has been decimated. Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa resigned as the leader of CCC in January 2024, citing infiltration by the state.

While Chiwenga’s opposition to Mnangagwa’s potential term extension is welcomed by many, analysts warn that it will require more than just one force to stop it. The Vice President, though backed by influential war veterans, needs a broader coalition of actors to challenge the President’s supporters.