MNANGAGWA’S 2030 DREAM CRUSHED AS ARMY STEPS IN

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hopes for a third term in office seem to have been dashed. This comes after a clear show of opposition from Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and the military. The recent events at the National Youth Day Commemorations in Bulawayo have made it clear that Mnangagwa’s supporters have abandoned their push for his third term. This is a big blow to the “2030” campaign, which aimed to keep Mnangagwa in power until 2030.

During the event, Mnangagwa was not greeted with the usual loud chants of “2030 ndeya Emmerson” or other slogans that his supporters had been using for months. Instead, the crowd was quiet, and Chiwenga, who was standing next to his wife, seemed calm and confident. This silence from Mnangagwa’s supporters is a clear sign that the military-backed faction led by Chiwenga has gained the upper hand.

The military’s opposition to Mnangagwa’s third term has been strong and clear. A few days ago, the army showed its power by rolling military equipment, including armoured vehicles, into the streets of Harare. This was a clear message to Mnangagwa and his supporters that the military is against the idea of extending his rule. A military insider has even said that the army’s position is “unequivocal” – meaning they are firm in their stance that Mnangagwa should retire in 2028 after his second term ends.

Mnangagwa has tried to distance himself from the “2030” campaign. He has said on several occasions, including just this Monday, that he plans to retire at the end of his current term in 2028. However, despite his denials, the campaign for his third term had gained a lot of support. But now, with the military stepping in, it seems the campaign has been derailed.

The war veterans, who are a powerful group in Zimbabwean politics, have also turned against Mnangagwa. They have demanded that he steps down immediately, saying that he has failed as a leader. This is a big problem for Mnangagwa, as the war veterans have a lot of influence in Zanu PF and in the country as a whole.

The abandonment of the “2030” slogans and songs by Mnangagwa’s supporters is a clear sign that the military’s influence has been decisive. It seems that the army’s tough stance has forced Mnangagwa’s supporters to back down. This could also mean that there is a shift in power within Zanu PF, with Chiwenga now emerging as the favourite to take over when Mnangagwa retires.

Chiwenga, who is a former army general, has always been a powerful figure in Zimbabwean politics. His close ties with the military give him a lot of leverage, and it seems he has used this to his advantage. The recent events suggest that Chiwenga and his allies are now in control, and Mnangagwa’s power is fading.

In conclusion, it seems that Mnangagwa’s dream of staying in power until 2030 has been crushed. The military’s opposition, combined with the growing influence of Chiwenga, has made it clear that Mnangagwa will have to step down in 2028. This marks a significant shift in Zimbabwean politics and could pave the way for a new leader to emerge. For now, it seems that Chiwenga is in the best position to take over, but only time will tell how this power struggle will end.