Clash at Heroes Acre Highlights Zanu PF Succession Rivalry

At Heroes Acre, Zanu PF supporters clashed, showcasing the intense rivalry over succession between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga. Chants supporting both leaders highlighted divisions, with some advocating for an extension of Mnangagwa’s presidency beyond 2028. This incident reflects the ongoing tension in Zimbabwe’s ruling party as factions vie for leadership ahead of future elections.

Rival factions within Zimbabwe’s Zanu PF party engaged in a clash at Heroes Acre during the burial of national hero Tinaye Chigudu. Supporters of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and those backing his deputy Constantino Chiwenga expressed their divisions through contrasting chants. While some rallied behind Mnangagwa, others vocally supported Chiwenga, demonstrating the escalating tension over the party’s leadership succession.

The chants of “2030 ndeya Emmerson, siyanai naye Mnangagwa” reflected a push from certain party members for Mnangagwa to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally allowed two terms ending in 2028. This indicates an effort to prolong his leadership against the aspirations of Chiwenga’s supporters, shown by their cry of “Siyanai naye Mukanya,” with Mukanya being Chiwenga’s totem.

The incident, though anticipated, underscores the ongoing power struggle within the ruling party of Zimbabwe. Despite remaining largely silent, Chiwenga is reportedly positioning himself for the presidency while publicly criticizing some of Mnangagwa’s allies, which intensifies the competition. Mnangagwa, in turn, appears to have garnered support for a potential term extension from various party provincial leagues.

The recent clash at Heroes Acre highlights the intense rivalry within the Zanu PF party regarding leadership succession. As factions align with either President Mnangagwa or Deputy Chiwenga, the political landscape in Zimbabwe seems poised for further conflict. The escalating calls for term extension and criticisms between factions signal a deepening struggle for power in the lead-up to the next elections.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com