Harare – A deepening political rift within Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party has escalated into a public confrontation between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, with accusations of treason and attempts to undermine the government being traded between the two factions. The dispute centers on allegations of corruption, the future direction of the country and potentially, the length of Mnangagwa’s presidency.
The conflict came to a head in September 2025 when Vice President Chiwenga presented a dossier to President Mnangagwa detailing accusations of corruption and “capture” of the state by prominent businessmen. According to reports, Chiwenga invoked the spirit of the 2017 military intervention – dubbed “Operation Restore Legacy” – that brought Mnangagwa to power, suggesting a betrayal of the original goals of that action.
Mnangagwa responded through Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who presented a detailed 25-page rebuttal to the ZANU-PF Politburo on . Ziyambi dismissed Chiwenga’s claims as “fundamentally flawed, treasonous, and lacking appreciation of party procedures and the national constitution.” He asserted that the document advocated for the unlawful removal of a constitutionally elected President, a charge that carries significant weight given Zimbabwe’s history of political upheaval.
The rebuttal, as detailed in multiple reports, directly challenges Chiwenga’s narrative of the 2017 coup, arguing it was a collective effort rather than the result of the actions of a few individuals. Ziyambi specifically cited the logistical support provided by businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei – including fuel, food, and $1.6 million in cash – during Operation Restore Legacy, a detail seemingly intended to diminish Chiwenga’s claim of sole responsibility for the intervention. The rebuttal also reportedly criticized Chiwenga’s portrayal of former President Robert Mugabe as a sole manipulator, calling it “disrespectful and reprehensible.”
A key point of contention is Mnangagwa’s alleged ambition to extend his term beyond the constitutionally mandated limits. Chiwenga accused Mnangagwa of pursuing a “2030 Agenda” designed to keep him in power until that year. Ziyambi defended Mnangagwa, stating that the “2030 Agenda” was Resolution No. 1 of the 2024 ZANU-PF Conference and therefore lawful. He further argued that any constitutional amendment is permissible under Section 328 of the Zimbabwean constitution, while also warning that opposing the resolution could be considered treasonous.
The dispute has prompted accusations of a “legal coup” against Chiwenga, with some observers suggesting Mnangagwa is using the legal system to criminalize dissent and consolidate his power. Constitutional lawyer Kika, head of the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), accused Ziyambi of lending his skills to “men and women of evil intent,” highlighting the perceived manipulation of legal processes for political gain.
The timing of this confrontation is significant. Zimbabwe’s economy has faced considerable challenges in recent years, and the political stability of the nation remains fragile. Mnangagwa’s administration has claimed to have achieved the fastest economic growth in the SADC region, but these claims are contested and the underlying economic realities remain difficult for many Zimbabweans. The internal power struggle within ZANU-PF threatens to further destabilize the country and could have implications for regional stability.
The elevation of the dispute to a formal institutional matter – by assigning the Justice Minister, rather than a political aide, to deliver the rebuttal – signals a deliberate attempt by Mnangagwa to assert dominance and dismantle the uneasy military-civilian compact that has characterized Zimbabwean politics since 2017. This move effectively transforms what began as an internal quarrel within the ruling party into a matter of state legitimacy, raising the stakes considerably.
The implications of this power struggle extend beyond the immediate political landscape. The accusations of corruption and state capture, if substantiated, could further erode public trust in the government and fuel social unrest. The potential for constitutional amendments to extend presidential term limits also raises concerns about the future of democratic governance in Zimbabwe. The international community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and whether it will lead to further political instability in the region.
As of , the situation remains tense, with no clear indication of a resolution. The long-postponed reckoning between the civilian leadership and the military elite appears to have arrived, and the outcome will likely shape the future of Zimbabwe for years to come.
