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Concerns Rise Amid Military Convoy and Political Turmoil in Zimbabwe
A recent sighting of a large convoy of armoured personnel carriers in a Harare neighborhood fueled public speculation about a potential military coup in Zimbabwe. Citizens took to social media, expressing worries reminiscent of past political upheaval. Observers recalled the last time such military movements occurred, which preceded the ousting of former president Robert Mugabe.
In response to the public’s anxiety, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana quickly clarified that the tanks were participating in a scheduled exercise to test equipment rather than a prelude to any political coup.
However, the incident highlighted deeper tensions within Zimbabwe as President Emmerson Mnangagwa faced unprecedented criticism from within his own Zanu-PF party. This internal dissent has led to calls for the president to resign, reviving fears of a rift similar to that which led to Mugabe’s downfall in 2017.
Mnangagwa, who took office in 2017, has been criticized for showing a lack of responsiveness to public needs. These critiques escalated after a senior party member, Blessed Geza—often referred to as “Bombshell”—vocally condemned the president’s leadership, primarily in response to discussions about altering laws to permit a third presidential term.
In a series of press conferences marked by his fiery rhetoric, Geza expressed regret over his initial support for Mnangagwa, condemning the president for allegedly prioritizing personal and familial interests over the populace’s welfare. He claimed Mnangagwa had allowed corruption to flourish and had delegated state power to his family.
As a result of his outspoken criticism, Zanu-PF declared Geza’s remarks as disloyal and even treasonous, forcing him into hiding amid threats of arrest. Geza is currently sought by law enforcement on multiple charges, including inciting public violence.
The political atmosphere has been further inflamed by Mnangagwa supporters advocating for a potential extension of his term, asserting that his continuation in office is necessary to achieve the goals of the ambitious “Agenda 2030” development plan.
This internal party conflict has attracted the attention of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference, which issued a pastoral letter stressing that such debates deflect attention from pressing issues like rampant unemployment and economic mismanagement. The bishops challenged the narrative that extending Mnangagwa’s term would benefit the nation.
While government representatives have dismissed these concerns as unfounded, political analyst Takura Zhangazha notes that the public is increasingly apathetic toward political spectacles, citing a lack of capacity for mobilization compared to the fervent demonstrations seen during Mugabe’s departure.
Geza’s criticisms, according to Zhangazha, resonate less with the public, given the fragmented political landscape and the diminished enthusiasm for mass protests. This fragmentation is exemplified by divisions within opposition parties and among war veterans, who traditionally hold significant sway in Zanu-PF politics.
Moreover, Jameson Timba, leader of a faction of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), pointed to the deteriorating economic conditions that burden ordinary citizens. With major retailers closing down and rising food insecurity affecting many households, the push for political accountability is overshadowed by daily survival concerns.
As political tensions simmer and cycles of criticism within Zanu-PF continue, the prospect for meaningful change appears distant. While Geza remains in hiding and the country gears up for future elections, the dialogue around succession and governance issues is far from settled.
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