Gweru, Zimbabwe – – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to members of the ruling ZANU-PF party, demanding an end to internal divisions, corruption, and indiscipline. The rebuke came during a seminar for the party’s Central Committee held in Gweru, signaling growing concern within the leadership over escalating factionalism that threatens to destabilize the former liberation movement.
Addressing the Central Committee, Mnangagwa stressed the importance of unity and adherence to party principles, stating that continued infighting would have “serious consequences.” He emphasized the responsibility of party leaders to maintain public trust and uphold the party’s founding values. “As Central Committee members, our conduct must continue to inspire confidence and hope, while also entrenching unity of purpose and trust within the party and the nation at large,” Mnangagwa said, according to reports.
The President’s remarks follow increasing reports of tensions and power struggles within ZANU-PF, particularly as the party prepares for key internal processes. While the specific nature of these processes remains undisclosed, the urgency of Mnangagwa’s message suggests a deepening crisis of confidence within the ruling elite. Sources within the party, speaking anonymously, indicated that Mnangagwa expressed visible anger during a closed-door meeting, directly accusing some senior figures of fueling divisions and engaging in corrupt practices that damage the party’s image.
The call for discipline extends to a firm stance against disregarding party rules and structures. Mnangagwa explicitly stated that “disregard of the party constitution and ignorance of the correct party line cannot be tolerated.” This suggests a tightening of control from the President, aiming to curb dissent and enforce ideological conformity within the party ranks.
The concerns voiced by Mnangagwa are not new. Zimbabwe has long been plagued by political instability and economic challenges, often exacerbated by internal conflicts within ZANU-PF. The party, which has been in power since the country’s independence in 1980, has faced accusations of authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses. The current wave of infighting appears to be linked to succession issues, with various factions vying for influence and positioning themselves for future leadership roles.
The seminar in Gweru is intended to set the tone for the upcoming National People’s Conference in Mutare, where the party is expected to address these challenges and formulate a strategy for the future. The President urged the party to remain aligned to its founding values and ideology while mobilizing grassroots structures, a move likely aimed at consolidating his support base and countering the influence of dissenting factions.
The situation is being closely watched by regional and international observers. Zimbabwe’s political stability is crucial for the wider Southern African region, and any significant deterioration could have ripple effects across borders. The country’s economic woes, compounded by political uncertainty, have already led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Zimbabweans facing food insecurity and poverty.
In a separate development, state media reported that a video segment highlighting President Mnangagwa’s address at the Dubai summit was played during the ZANU-PF seminar. The video showcased Zimbabwe’s foreign policy outlook, economic priorities, and sovereign stance in international affairs, seemingly intended to project an image of strength and stability despite the internal challenges.
The President’s strong words represent a significant moment in Zimbabwean politics. Whether his call for unity and discipline will be heeded remains to be seen. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the future trajectory of ZANU-PF and, the fate of Zimbabwe.
The emphasis on curbing corruption also comes at a time when Zimbabwe is struggling to attract foreign investment and rebuild its economy. Rampant corruption has long been a major obstacle to economic development, and Mnangagwa’s commitment to tackling the issue, if genuine, could potentially unlock new opportunities for growth.
However, skepticism remains high among opposition parties and civil society groups, who accuse the government of paying lip service to anti-corruption efforts while protecting powerful individuals within the ruling party. The effectiveness of Mnangagwa’s crackdown will depend on his willingness to hold all those involved in corrupt activities accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.
