Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa Intervenes in Zanu-PF Social Media Dispute
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has intervened in a dispute within Zanu-PF, reversing the dismissal of six social media activists by legal secretary Patrick Chinamasa. This move challenges Chinamasa’s authority and highlights ongoing tensions surrounding succession politics within the party. The reinstatement of the activists marks a significant moment in Zanu-PF’s internal struggle for influence.
In Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has intervened in a dispute within the Zanu-PF party, overruling the decision made by legal secretary Patrick Chinamasa to dismiss six social media activists labeled as “rogue elements.” This intervention is seen as a challenge to Chinamasa’s authority and has exacerbated existing factional tensions within the party, particularly concerning succession politics.
Through a handwritten note on an appeal letter from activist Jonasi Mandiwisa Musara, Mnangagwa declared the dismissals “null and void,” indicating his disapproval of Chinamasa’s actions. Musara’s letter emphasized the importance of the activists in promoting Mnangagwa’s EDWORKS campaign and called for their reinstatement.
Musara also referenced a prior meeting with Mnangagwa, where the president stated that the dismissals were not authorized by him. In his appeal, he expressed the activists’ desire to resume their work defending and popularizing the president’s initiatives. Musara asked Mnangagwa to reverse the decisions that had led to the dismissals.
Mnangagwa’s decision is likely to exacerbate divides within Zanu-PF as it directly confronts Chinamasa, who leads the Varakashi4ED Social Media Unit tasked with defending the president online. Chinamasa had previously accused the activists of disrespecting him and senior officials, justifying their termination.
The dismissed activists included individuals such as Tinotenda Gachange and Tafadzwa Mawire. Gachange utilized social media to share Musara’s appeal, which contained Mnangagwa’s remarks, while indirectly critiquing Chinamasa’s leadership. He highlighted ongoing pressures from factions seeking to silence progressive voices supporting the president’s policies.
Although Mnangagwa has publicly denied intentions to extend his presidency beyond the current term, critics suggest he may be encouraging amendments to term limits, possibly allowing him to remain in office past 2028. The reinstatement of the activists reinforces the ongoing power struggle within Zanu-PF, where allegiances fluctuate between those favoring Mnangagwa’s extended leadership and those opposed to it.
Mnangagwa’s intervention has intensified the internal conflict within Zanu-PF, prompting renewed speculation about the party’s future and the president’s political ambitions in the midst of prevailing factional disputes.
In summary, the ongoing conflict within Zimbabwe’s Zanu-PF party escalated when President Mnangagwa intervened to overturn the dismissal of six social media activists, undermining legal secretary Chinamasa’s authority. This intervention highlights the factional divisions related to succession politics and raises questions about Mnangagwa’s true intentions regarding his presidency amid calls for constitutional changes. The situation reflects an intense internal power struggle as loyalties and ambitions evolve within the party.
Original Source: www.thezimbabwemail.com
