By 
Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans, Douglas Mahiya, has sparked controversy by threatening to silence war veterans who oppose President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s extended stay in office. Mahiya’s comments were directed at a faction led by Blessed Runesu Geza, who have criticized Mnangagwa’s leadership, citing corruption, nepotism, and economic mismanagement.
Mahiya accused dissenting war veterans of undermining party unity and threatening the liberation movement’s legacy. He invoked Resolution Number One from last year’s Zanu PF National People’s Conference, which endorsed Mnangagwa’s rule until 2030. Mahiya argued that “If the majority want Mnangagwa to extend his term, the minority has no standing to oppose it.”
The Zanu PF official defended Mnangagwa as a “principled leader” who ensures stability, claiming that under different leadership, the party could have declared a state of emergency, suspended elections, and extended Mnangagwa’s rule indefinitely. Mahiya also alleged that emerging factions within the war veterans’ ranks were being manipulated by external forces seeking to weaken Zanu PF.
“War veterans who think their past service gives them power to go against the party’s resolutions are mistaken. If you oppose the president, your war credentials mean nothing,” Mahiya said.
Mahiya likened Mnangagwa’s situation to former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he claimed was being “positioned for another term” despite constitutional provisions. Mahiya also alleged that emerging factions within the war veterans’ ranks were being used to destabilize Zanu PF ahead of future elections.
“There are different war veteran associations forming to create disorder. This is being done to ensure Zanu PF loses in the next elections and pave the way for a government of national unity,” he claimed.
Mahiya’s remarks have raised concerns about the erosion of democratic processes in Zimbabwe. Political analyst Dr. Vusumuzi Sibanda warned that the push for Mnangwa’s extended presidency could deepen internal divisions within Zanu PF and undermine democratic institutions.
“Zanu PF’s determination to extend Mnangagwa’s rule, regardless of constitutional provisions or public sentiment, is alarming,” Sibanda said. “The party’s willingness to violate the law and suppress dissent should concern all Zimbabweans.”
The controversy highlights the challenges facing Zanu PF as it navigates internal dissent and public scrutiny. With growing tensions within the war veterans’ ranks, it remains to be seen whether Mnangagwa’s extended presidency will gain traction or further fracture the party.
Comments