Zimbabwe’s Leader Faces Call for Removal From Within His Own Party

| Published April 1, 2025

In the midst of political turmoil and economic struggle, Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, is facing a growing call for his removal, not from opposition forces, but from within his own ruling party, ZANU-PF. Once seen as the political figure who would bring stability and economic revival after the long reign of Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa’s leadership is now under severe scrutiny as both internal party factions and ordinary citizens express frustration with his handling of the nation’s affairs.

At the heart of this dissent are the war veterans, a group that once stood firmly behind Mnangagwa after his role in the 2017 coup that ousted Mugabe. These veterans, led by Blessed Geza, a vocal critic of the current administration, have organized protests calling for Mnangagwa’s resignation. Their main grievances? The deepening economic crisis, widespread unemployment, skyrocketing inflation, and a lack of meaningful reforms. Furthermore, many of them accuse the president of attempting to overstay his welcome, extending his rule beyond the constitutional limit of 2028.

The call for Mnangagwa’s resignation has escalated into a serious political challenge for the president. With Zimbabwe’s economy facing severe hardship, many Zimbabweans see no end in sight. According to the war veterans, the current leadership has failed to honor promises of economic revival, and the situation continues to worsen. Geza, a key figure in the protests, has openly called for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to step into the leadership role, despite the political risks that may bring.

In response to the growing unrest, Mnangagwa’s government has reacted with force. On March 31, 2025, the streets of major Zimbabwean cities such as Harare and Bulawayo were heavily patrolled by security forces as part of a nationwide effort to prevent demonstrations. Businesses and schools closed, while the government issued strong warnings to citizens, urging them to stay indoors and avoid participating in any protests. Despite the government’s crackdown, a few protests did manage to emerge, though they were quickly dispersed by the police. Geza, the face of the protest movement, now faces treason charges, marking the next chapter in Zimbabwe’s ongoing political drama.

The government’s reaction to the protests, including the deployment of security forces and the harsh treatment of demonstrators, speaks volumes about the administration’s stance on dissent. Mnangagwa, who has long been under sanctions from Western nations like the United States, denies accusations of repression, insisting that his government has improved Zimbabwe’s political and human rights environment. However, these claims ring hollow for many Zimbabweans who continue to suffer under economic hardships and the erosion of their freedoms.

In a move that further illustrates Mnangagwa’s intent to solidify his grip on power, the president also dismissed the army chief, Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe, just days before the planned protests. This strategic decision to replace the army chief with Emmanuel Matatu, a former Major General, appears to be a move to preempt any potential military opposition to his rule. Critics of the move argue that it signals Mnangagwa’s growing paranoia and the depth of his concerns about internal discontent.

From a conservative perspective, Mnangagwa’s actions to maintain control seem to be grounded in pragmatic, if heavy-handed, political maneuvering. While his critics argue that his leadership has failed to bring about the promised changes, supporters claim that Zimbabwe’s political stability—however fragile—has been preserved in the face of significant challenges. Furthermore, his firm stance against the protests reflects his unwillingness to allow any faction to destabilize his rule, regardless of the cost.

However, the president’s internal problems are undeniable. As he seeks to assert control within his own party and fend off pressure from those who once supported him, Mnangagwa finds himself in a precarious position. If Zimbabwe’s economic situation does not improve and the calls for his removal continue to gain traction, the president’s ability to maintain his leadership will be tested like never before.

In the coming months, the political situation in Zimbabwe will remain tense. With the military on high alert and civil unrest simmering beneath the surface, it’s clear that Mnangagwa’s future may hinge not just on his ability to address the country’s economic woes, but on his skill in managing the party dynamics and dissent within his own ranks. The road ahead for Zimbabwe remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the battle for control over the country’s future is far from over.

 

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SOURCE’S: NEW YORK TIMES – Zimbabwe’s Leader Faces Call for Removal From Within His Own Party

REUTERS – Zimbabwe police deploy to block demonstrations against Mnangagwa

AP NEWS –Calls for uprising in Zimbabwe largely ignored as public heeds government appeals to stay away

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