A long convoy of armored personnel tanks rolling through a Harare neighborhood sparked concerns—albeit briefly—that a military coup was underway in Zimbabwe.
“What’s going on in Zimbabwe?” one person posted on social media. Another remarked: “The last time this happened there was a coup.”
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana quickly reassured the public, explaining that the tanks were in the capital as part of a scheduled exercise to test equipment and that there was “nothing to be concerned about.” Yet, the speculation persisted, reflecting deep-seated anxieties about the Zimbabwe crisis.
Is President Mnangagwa Facing Opposition Within His Own Party?
ust before the military exercise, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for the first time since taking office in 2017, faced sharp criticism from within his own Zanu-PF party. Calls for him to step down began to surface, reminiscent of the events leading up to the coup that removed his predecessor, Robert Mugabe.
Mugabe had ruled since 1980, initially as a revolutionary hero who ended white-minority rule. However, his downfall began when war veterans from the 1970s independence struggle withdrew their support. A similar pattern appears to be emerging now.
This time, the challenge came from Blessed Geza, also known as “Bombshell,” a war veteran and senior Zanu-PF member. He became enraged when some within the party began pushing to amend the constitution, allowing Mnangagwa to seek a third term.
In a series of fiery press conferences, Geza—his voice gritty and forehead furrowed—called on the 82-year-old president to resign or risk being removed.
“I must apologize for helping him come into office,” he declared. “As soon as he [Mnangagwa] had the taste of power, he escalated corruption, forgot the people, and only remembered his family.”
Geza further accused the president of surrendering state power to his wife and children. “We sadly see history repeating itself. We can’t allow that to happen.”
Is Bombshell Now a Wanted Man?
Zanu-PF leaders reacted with outrage, condemning Geza’s remarks as “amounting to treason.” Forced into hiding, he continues to taunt the government through social media, hinting at possible protests.
Authorities have since issued warrants for his arrest on four charges, including vehicle theft, undermining the authority of the president, and inciting public violence.
A journalist who first interviewed him in November has also been arrested, accused of transmitting messages that incite violence.
Is Mnangagwa Seeking a Third Term?
Trouble over Mnangagwa’s political ambitions began brewing last year during Zanu-PF rallies. He is currently serving his second and final term, which is set to end in 2028. However, a slogan, “2030 he will still be the leader,” began circulating among his supporters, despite Zimbabwe’s constitution limiting presidents to two five-year terms.
His backers argue that he must remain in office to complete his “Agenda 2030” development program. In December, a motion was adopted unanimously at the Zanu-PF conference, which, while not explicitly advocating a third term, sought to extend Mnangagwa’s current term until 2030.
Despite recent reassurances that he plans to step down in three years, influential Roman Catholic bishops have voiced their concerns. In a pastoral letter, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference warned that the debate over 2030 was distracting from pressing issues, such as business closures, high unemployment, rampant corruption, and economic policies favoring the wealthy over ordinary citizens.
Presidential spokesman George Charamba dismissed the clerics’ statement, claiming the matter was “dead and buried.”
Has Zanu-PF Started Purging Dissenters?
Geza’s outburst has led to a purge within Zanu-PF, with his expulsion and that of some of his allies. However, analysts believe his efforts are unlikely to galvanize mass support.
Political observers point out that Zimbabweans are no longer as easily mobilized as they were in 2017 when they turned out in droves to support the military’s role in ousting Mugabe.
“Even Geza’s attempt to highlight corruption and the plight of workers won’t get people organizing or mobilizing,” said a political analyst. “People don’t have that capacity or interest anymore.”
Another analyst added, “I can promise you there will be no repeat of 2017 before 2028. Zimbabweans feel they were used during Mugabe’s ousting and won’t take to the streets again for Zanu-PF’s internal battles.”
Are the War Veterans United in Their Stance?
Even among war veterans, opinions on the issue are divided. Geza has previously hinted at supporting Vice President Constantine Chiwenga, a 68-year-old former army chief, as Mnangagwa’s successor. However, other veterans are backing the 2030 agenda.
One analyst emphasized the war veterans’ influential role in Zimbabwean politics, explaining, “They see themselves as caretakers, so you can’t dismiss their sentiments.”
However, he suggested that Geza’s grievances were likely driven more by personal interests than public concerns. “They feel as if they are excluded from the cake that they should otherwise be enjoying.”
How Does This Reflect Zimbabwe’s Broader Political and Economic Situation?
Critics argue that the political turmoil reflects a country in crisis. Economic conditions continue to deteriorate, with many Zimbabweans struggling to afford more than one meal a day. Major supermarket chains are shutting down, with one of the largest retailers closing several branches and others having empty shelves.
Economic forecasts look even grimmer following the recent suspension of USAID assistance, further worsening the Zimbabwe crisis.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders argue that the worsening economic and political environment calls for an early election. “Any leader worth his salt would call for an early election to determine whether they still have the people’s mandate,” said one opposition figure. “To do the opposite is a joke—especially when you’re talking about extending a term of office.”
However, an early vote remains highly unlikely.
For now, Bombshell remains in hiding, and elections are years away. But the debate over Mnangagwa’s succession is far from over, keeping the Zimbabwe crisis at the forefront of political discussions.
