Factionalism in Zanu-PF: Allegations of Assassination Plot Against Chiwenga
The General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association has claimed that mercenaries are hired to assassinate Vice President Chiwenga amid rising Zanu-PF factionalism. Tensions escalate as Chiwenga publicly challenges Mnangagwa’s power. Calls for a protest on March 31 against the ruling regime emphasize a demand for accountability and denounce violence. Unidentified individuals disrupted a related press conference earlier this week.
The General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association (GCVSA) has alleged that mercenaries have been hired to assassinate Zimbabwe’s Vice President, General Chiwenga. These claims emerge amidst increasing factional tensions within Zanu-PF, highlighting the public power struggle between Chiwenga and President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has criticized Chiwenga, referring to him as cruel and unelectable, yet no actions have followed Chiwenga’s demand for accountability against these remarks.
In a statement to NewZimbabwe.com, GCVSA expressed awareness of a plot not only targeting Chiwenga but also targeting participants of a planned demonstration on March 31. Secretary General Ntokozo Msipha stated, “We pre-empt and categorically expose the treasonous move to deploy mercenaries imported from Sierra Leone, assigned with the heinous mission of eliminating General Chiwenga.” Msipha condemned such foreign interference as tantamount to an act of war, asserting that those involved will face consequences.
Chiwenga has been vocal in challenging Mnangagwa’s efforts to extend his presidency beyond 2028, while the latter’s supporters from Masvingo province advocate for his tenure through 2030. War veterans, led by Blessed Geza, are preparing to lead a protest on March 31 against what they describe as cronyism within Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Msipha emphasized the significance of the upcoming protest, stating, “We stand firm in full support of the people’s call to action on March 31, 2025…the time for tyranny is over, the hour for accountability is now!” He further urged police and military personnel to remember their duties to the nation rather than to a corrupt regime, highlighting that any orders against civilians would be considered unlawful.
Earlier this week, a scheduled press conference by war veteran Ethan Mathibela to announce the protest was interrupted by unidentified individuals in Bulawayo, adding to the atmosphere of tension and unrest ahead of the planned demonstration.
The allegations surrounding the potential assassination of General Chiwenga illustrate the escalating factionalism within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party. GCVSA’s claims of foreign mercenaries, coupled with the impending protest led by war veterans, indicate a volatile political landscape marked by power struggles between Chiwenga and Mnangagwa. The response of the military and police to the upcoming demonstrations will be crucial in determining the course of Zimbabwe’s political future.
Original Source: allafrica.com
