A fierce power struggle is intensifying within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party, centered on a controversial plan to postpone the 2028 presidential election. Supporters of President Emmerson Mnangagwa are lobbying for the delay, a move that would effectively extend his tenure beyond constitutional term limits, under the “ED2030” initiative. This has put him on a direct collision course with his vice-president, Constantino Chiwenga, who was widely expected to be the successor. The feud, which will dominate this week’s Zanu-PF conference, has exposed deep divisions within the party and heightened fears of renewed instability. Meanwhile, Mnangagwa is shoring up his position by lavishing military leaders and party officials with expensive gifts, including cars and cash, in what analysts see as a bid to secure loyalty and prevent a coup.
Daily Maverick
