Sikhala Calls for Opposition to Exploit Zanu PF’s Internal Tensions

Job Sikhala, a prominent opposition figure, calls on opposition forces to exploit the tensions within Zanu PF, particularly those between President Mnangagwa and Vice President Chiwenga. Citing Zanu PF’s historical interference in opposition politics, Sikhala sees an opportunity for the opposition amidst the ruling party’s internal conflicts, especially following controversial attempts by Mnangagwa to extend his presidency.

HARARE – Opposition leader Job Sikhala is urging his party and other oppositional forces to capitalize on internal tensions within the ruling Zanu PF party, particularly between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Sikhala claims that these factional disputes have been exacerbated by Zanu PF’s historical involvement in creating divisions within the opposition, particularly targeting the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Since the coup in 2017 that led to Mnangagwa’s rise to power, Zanu PF has concealed its internal conflicts, but emerging issues suggest unrest.

Recent attempts by Mnangagwa to extend his presidential term have intensified discord within Zanu PF, with war veterans openly opposing his bid. Observers view the deepening factional conflicts as a potential national security threat, harkening back to earlier coup attempts and incidents like the 2018 rally bombing that targeted key Zanu PF leaders. Reverend Kenneth Mtata highlighted that these succession challenges are not merely party matters, but affect governance, national unity, and the country’s future.

Sikhala, a prominent figure in Zimbabwean opposition politics, believes the ongoing turmoil within Zanu PF presents an opportunity for the opposition to reclaim power. He criticized Zanu PF’s historical role in destabilizing opposition parties and urged his allies to actively exploit this current chaos. He expressed disdain for having emerged from imprisonment only to find the CCC fractured and criticized the use of state resources for political infighting.

Historically, the MDC has splintered into several factions since its inception in 1999, a fragmentation that has repeatedly hindered its electoral success. The 2008 elections highlighted the opposition’s potential power if unified, as it secured significant seats against Zanu PF but ultimately fell short. Even today, the remnants of the MDC struggle with divisions, now rebranded as the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), prompting Sikhala to assert that Zanu PF is behind these schisms.

Job Sikhala’s push for the opposition to leverage Zanu PF’s internal conflicts highlights a strategic response to a fraught political climate. Meanwhile, growing dissent within Zanu PF over leadership succession presents an opportunity for the opposition, which historically has suffered from fragmentation. The ongoing rift may play a pivotal role in shaping Zimbabwe’s political landscape going forward.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com