Growing Calls for Mnangagwa’s Resignation

The planned meeting comes at a time of heightened political tension,fueled by a vocal faction within the war veterans community. Led by ex-combatant Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, this group is openly demanding President Mnangagwa’s departure. Their accusations include allegations of corruption, nepotism, and a plot to extend his rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit.

Geza’s outspoken opposition has ignited a broader debate about the direction of the country and the effectiveness of Mnangagwa’s leadership. The accusations strike at the heart of the President’s legitimacy, especially among a group that has historically been a strong base of support for the ruling Zanu-PF party. The veterans feel their sacrifices during the liberation struggle are being ignored as the country struggles with economic hardship and perceived goverment mismanagement.

Dialogue as a Means of Addressing Grievances

Zanu-PF War Veterans League leader Douglas Mahiya emphasized the importance of the upcoming dialogue, framing it as an possibility for war veterans to directly voice their concerns to the President. According to Mahiya, the meeting is strategically timed following the launch of the war Veterans Welfare Fund.

After the successful launch of the War veterans Welfare fund, we saw it fit that comrades meet with their fellow fighter to discuss and spend the day together. The meeting is going to happen two to three weeks from now.
Douglas Mahiya, Zanu-PF War Veterans League leader

This engagement is seen as a critical step in addressing the growing unrest and preventing further divisions within the party. The ability for veterans to openly express their concerns directly to Mnangagwa could potentially diffuse some of the tension and foster a sense of being heard. However, analysts caution that the meeting’s success hinges on Mnangagwa’s willingness to address the root causes of the veterans’ discontent, not just offer superficial solutions.

geza’s Campaign and the “ED2030” Agenda

blessed “Bombshell” Geza has intensified his campaign against Mnangagwa’s “ED2030” agenda, which critics view as a veiled attempt to extend his presidency beyond 2028. Geza has actively rallied support for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to potentially take over the leadership role.

Geza’s vocal opposition has not gone unnoticed by the state, and legal actions have reportedly been taken against him.He previously called for a national shutdown and issued a 10-day ultimatum for Mnangagwa to resign,even though he later distanced himself from a social media post making the threat. This highlights the volatile nature of the political climate and the lengths to which some are willing to go to express their discontent. The “ED2030” agenda, intended to guide Zimbabwe’s economic development, has become a lightning rod for criticism, symbolizing what some see as Mnangagwa’s overreach.

Wider Discontent Among War Veterans

The calls for Mnangagwa’s resignation are not isolated to Geza alone. The War Veterans Pressure Group (WVPG) has also voiced criticism of the President, accusing his governance of betraying the ideals of the liberation struggle. Their specific grievance revolves around the compensation of white former farmers who where displaced during the land reform program.

To that end, our perception of the situation in the country resonates with that expressed by comrades, specifically, Cde Geza and war-time commanders who are demanding change.
War Veterans pressure group (WVPG)

This broader discontent within Zanu-PF’s conventional support base signals potential fractures within the ruling party. Analysts have pointed out that similar unrest among war veterans played a significant role in the 2017 coup that led to the ouster of former President Robert Mugabe, underscoring the potential impact of their dissatisfaction.The land reform programme,while intended to address ancient injustices,remains a contentious issue,with many veterans feeling that the current administration has mishandled its implementation and subsequent compensation efforts.

Government Initiatives and Responses

In an effort to address some of the concerns, Mnangagwa’s administration is rolling out the War Veterans Welfare Fund across all 10 provinces. This initiative,led by Special Investments Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara,provides US$150,000 in zero-percent revolving loans for war veterans to start projects,along with housing initiatives and solar-powered boreholes.

Tungwarara has dismissed suggestions that the fund is a direct response to criticism from war veterans, maintaining that it was a long-planned initiative. He emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by these veterans.

These heroes battled tirelessly for our freedom. It is our obligation to ensure their legacies endure.
Paul Tungwarara, Special Investments Presidential adviser

Tungwarara also addressed social media campaigns calling for Mnangagwa’s removal, cautioning against challenging the President and emphasizing the administration’s focus on positive efforts for Zimbabwe’s future.

You cannot challenge the President without confronting the entire presidium and Cabinet. We remain focused on positive efforts for Zimbabwe’s future.
Paul Tungwarara, Special Investments Presidential adviser

The government’s initiatives are seen by some as genuine efforts to improve the lives of war veterans, while others view them as a calculated attempt to quell dissent and maintain political control. The effectiveness of these programs in addressing the underlying grievances remains to be seen.

Analysts’ Perspectives

Political analyst Pardon Taodzera believes the planned dialogue is a strategic maneuver to prevent further divisions within Zanu-PF. By providing a platform for war veterans to voice their concerns, mnangagwa acknowledges their importance while attempting to maintain party unity.

Taodzera also noted the timing of the meeting, coupled with the welfare initiatives, reflects a dual approach: offering economic support while attempting political reconciliation. He suggests that these efforts are aimed at securing the allegiance of the war veterans.

This isn’t just about loans or a borehole — it’s about securing their allegiance.
Pardon Taodzera,Political Analyst

Analysts emphasize that the long-term stability of Zimbabwe depends on addressing the root causes of discontent,promoting good governance,and ensuring that all citizens have a voice in shaping the country’s future.