On March 31, Zimbabwean security forces deployed throughout the country to disperse peaceful assemblies aimed at protesting the ruling ZANU-PF party’s attempts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond constitutional limits. By the end of the day, police had detained 95 demonstrators on charges related to promoting public violence and breaching the peace. Nevertheless, the central figure behind the protests, Blessed Geza, a veteran of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, remains at large despite facing multiple criminal charges since February.
Geza was expelled from ZANU-PF on March 6 after publicly urging Mnangagwa to resign. On March 26, he utilized social media to voice his criticisms of Mnangagwa and various key party members, branding them “Zvigananda”—individuals perceived to be benefiting from the nation’s resources through illicit means. His list contains prominent figures, including government ministers and influential businessmen accused of corruption, such as Scott Sakupwanya, Wicknell Chivayo, and Kuda Tagwirei.
Local media have reported on potential wrongdoing associated with Chivayo, who allegedly profited from inflated sales of electoral materials during the contested August 2023 general elections. Investigations imply that he funneled kickbacks to notable Zimbabwean officials. Tagwirei has similarly drawn scrutiny; a July 2023 report highlighted his complex business ventures and the perception of favoritism from government officials. As stated by former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, Tagwirei controls a considerable portion of Zimbabwe’s fuel and mining sectors, raising questions about the integrity of these connections.
On March 28, Geza claimed responsibility for setting fire to vehicles belonging to Chivayo and Tagwirei, expressing his resolve to confront the corruption entrenched within Zimbabwe’s political landscape. Mnangagwa’s ongoing attempts to secure a third term, which contradict the nation’s constitutional guidelines and his own denials of such ambitions, face opposition not only from civic circles but also from his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Observers speculate that Chiwenga, retaining substantial backing within the military, may be leveraging his influence to support Geza’s agenda.
This evolving power struggle puts Zimbabwe at a critical juncture and echoes historical moments in the nation’s political trajectory, notably the military intervention that displaced former president Robert Mugabe in 2017. Despite ongoing speculation about the possibility of another coup, the essential concern lies in the lack of a robust, transparent democratic framework within the ZANU-PF.
While Geza’s perspectives highlight important governance issues, they often oversimplify a complex reality comprising various factions deeply rooted in the problematic political climate. Recognizing that the challenges facing Zimbabwe extend beyond the actions of Mnangagwa is crucial for understanding the broader context.
The legacy of economic adversity marked by corruption persists in Zimbabwe. Historical patterns reveal that influential businessmen often maintain connections to ZANU-PF leaders, raising questions about the feasibility of genuine reform. The apparent absence of large-scale public mobilization against pervasive corruption can be traced back to strict governmental restrictions on civil liberties and the harsh application of law against dissent.
Zimbabwe currently faces significant challenges in upholding its constitutional rights, mirroring the oppressive attributes of its colonial past. Instances of state violence against protesters serve as stark reminders of the need for fundamental respect for civil rights.
As Geza moves forward with his plans for potential impeachment of Mnangagwa, there is a growing consensus on the necessity for transformative change that transcends party affiliations and unifies civil society around democratic principles. Achieving such changes in Zimbabwe requires a commitment to genuine constitutional reforms that permit the free expression of rights—a shift critical for overcoming the longstanding political malaise that has stifled the nation for decades.
In conclusion, transformation within Zimbabwe must not merely revolve around replacing leadership but must focus on a complete overhaul of governance practices, thereby paving the way for a more transparent and accountable political environment.
#PoliticsNews #MiddleEastNews