President Emmerson Mnangagwa to meet War Veterans and ‘talk’ as Cde Bombshell Geza demands his resignation

Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa is poised to engage in a critical dialogue with war veterans in the coming weeks, a move orchestrated amidst growing calls for his resignation from within the ranks of the liberation war heroes themselves. Zanu PF war veterans league boss Douglas Mahiya confirmed the impending meeting, highlighting its significance in addressing a multitude of issues impacting the ex-combatants.

The meeting’s urgency is underscored by the vocal dissent emanating from a faction of war veterans, spearheaded by the firebrand Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, who has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with Mnangagwa’s leadership. Geza, a former Zanla ex-combatant, has been at the forefront of calls for Mnangagwa’s resignation, accusing him of overseeing rampant corruption and nepotism, and of plotting to extend his term beyond the constitutionally mandated limit.

Mahiya emphasised that the meeting would provide a crucial platform for veterans of the liberation struggle to air their grievances directly to the President. It is also envisioned as an opportunity for Mnangagwa to address the former liberators’ concerns and articulate his vision for their welfare.

Speaking at the launch of the Harare provincial welfare fund, Mahiya stated, “After the successful launch of the war veterans welfare fund, we saw it fit that comrades meet with their fellow fighter to discuss and spend the day together. The meeting is going to happen two to three weeks from now. This is a testament to our government’s unwavering commitment to those who fought for our freedom.”

The timing of this meeting is particularly sensitive, coinciding with Geza’s escalating campaign against Mnangagwa’s perceived bid to stay in power beyond 2028, when the President’s two-term limit expires. Geza has openly advocated for Vice President Chiwenga to take over the reins, further fueling speculation about potential divisions within the ruling party.

Geza’s outspoken opposition to Mnangagwa’s “ED2030” mantra has drawn the ire of the state, resulting in criminal charges against him. Some observers view Geza’s prosecution as victimisation of a man who has bravely challenged Mnangagwa’s unpopular attempts to remain in office.

In a recent press conference, Geza urged Zimbabweans to prepare for a national shutdown as calls for Mnangagwa’s resignation grow louder. “We implore you to resign peacefully. If you don’t resign in peace, people will use the constitution to exercise their right to push you out of office,” Geza said. He also warned the police that if they dared to beat or shoot demonstrators protesting against Mnangagwa, the public would hold them accountable in their own neighbourhoods.

Geza also issued a 10-day ultimatum to Mnangagwa to resign or face unspecified action, although he later denied being behind the social media account that posted the threat. He has also declared that he will occupy the State House against all odds, adding that the “real drama” is about to unfold against Mnangagwa’s “machinations,” indicating his involvement in a broader political effort to remove the President.

The war veteran’s defiance has raised concerns about growing dissent within Zanu-PF and the potential for unrest in Zimbabwe, which is already grappling with renewed political instability over Mnangagwa’s third term ambitions and perceived governance failures.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a groundswell of discontent is brewing within the ranks of Zimbabwe’s war veterans, with a growing number voicing their support for Geza’s call for Mnangagwa to step down.

The War Veterans Pressure Group (WVPG) has emerged as the latest voice to condemn Mnangagwa’s government, citing alleged suppression of dissent, constitutional violations, and a perceived abandonment of the values that underpinned Zimbabwe’s hard-won independence.

“To that end, our perception of the situation in the country resonates with that expressed by comrades, specifically, Cde Geza and war-time commanders who are demanding change,” the group stated, aligning themselves with Geza’s sentiments and the broader calls for reform.

The WVPG went on to paint a grim picture of Zimbabwe’s current state, accusing State authorities of systemic abuse, economic mismanagement, and implementing policies that “reverse the gains of the revolution.” The group’s statement paints a picture of a nation “adrift in a sea of corruption, kleptocracy and lawlessness,” warning that the current trajectory dishonours the sacrifices made during the liberation war.

The lobby group accused Mnangagwa’s government of betrayal following its decision to compensate white former farmers who lost their farms during Zimbabwe’s land reform programme at the turn of the century.

Amidst this backdrop of growing dissent, the Mnangagwa administration is also rolling out the War Veterans Welfare Fund across all 10 provinces, spearheaded by Special Investments Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara. The fund provides each province with US$150,000 in zero-percent revolving loans for war veterans to initiate projects. The initiative also includes the construction of houses and the drilling of solar-powered boreholes at the former liberation guerillas’ rural homes.

While the government touts the War Veterans Welfare Fund as a genuine effort to improve the lives of ex-combatants, critics have suggested that the project is a thinly veiled attempt to buy the silence of war veterans who have become increasingly critical of Mnangagwa’s leadership.

Tungwarara, however, vehemently denied that the project was a response to criticism from a section of war veterans. “These heroes battled tirelessly for our freedom. It is our responsibility to ensure their legacies endure. The project was already in the pipeline and it was just waiting to be executed,” he asserted.

He framed the programme as a vital link between Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and its modern development goals, stating, “Their courage inspires us to reject division and work collectively towards economic sovereignty.”

Tungwarara also addressed the political tensions head-on, condemning unnamed groups allegedly using social media to destabilise Mnangagwa’s administration. “Let me be clear: you cannot challenge the President without confronting the entire presidium and Cabinet. We remain focused on positive efforts for Zimbabwe’s future,” he declared.

Political analyst Pardon Taodzera believes that the planned dialogue demonstrates a strategic effort at reconciliation, aimed at averting a potentially damaging fallout with a wider section of war veterans. The analyst drew parallels to the events of 2017, when the late former President Robert Mugabe was ousted in a military coup following a breakdown in relations with ex-combatants who had become disillusioned with his leadership.

“By creating a platform for war veterans to voice their concerns, he acknowledges their enduring role in Zimbabwe’s liberation while proactively mitigating tensions,” Taodzera commented. “This isn’t merely about appeasement — it’s an astute recognition that the stability of Zanu PF’s base hinges on maintaining trust with these liberation icons.”

Taodzera highlighted the timing of the meeting, which coincides with both the rollout of the War Veterans Welfare Fund and growing dissent within the ex-combatant community, as being crucial to ensuring stability not only within the ruling Zanu PF party but also within the country as a whole.

“The welfare initiatives, paired with open dialogue, signal a dual approach: tangible economic support complemented by political inclusivity,” Taodzera said. “This isn’t just about loans or a borehole — it’s about validating their legacy and securing their allegiance in Zimbabwe’s evolving socio-political landscape.”

The analyst also underscored the symbolic significance of Mnangagwa leading the conversation himself. “His identity as ‘Cde Emmerson’ bridges generational and ideological divides. This meeting isn’t just a presidential obligation; it’s a reunion of comrades. That resonance could disarm critics and foster cohesion ahead of critical national objectives,” he concluded.