Zimbabwe War Veterans Call for President Mnangagwa’s Resignation

A group of Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans has called on, on January 28, President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign, accusing him of nepotism, corruption, and mishandling the country’s struggling economy.
The veterans, who are affiliated with the ruling Zanu-PF Party, expressed their dissatisfaction during a press conference, with one prominent member, Blessed Runesu Geza, urging the President to step down immediately. Geza, who was part of Zimbabwe’s liberation war, criticized Mnangagwa for failing to fulfil his 2017 promises, and for the country’s deteriorating conditions, including corruption and economic decline.
Zanu-PF officials, however, have dismissed these calls, with spokesperson Farai Marapira labelling them as “rogue rantings.” Marapira stated that the party’s official stance is unchanged, following a recent conference where party leaders resolved that Mnangagwa should seek a third term in 2028, contingent on constitutional amendments. Political analyst Eldred Masunungure noted that the war veterans’ frustration stems from unmet expectations following Mnangagwa’s rise to power in 2017, following the removal of Robert Mugabe.
He observed that while the veterans’ frustrations are clear, the outcome of their actions remains uncertain. The situation highlights growing divisions within Zanu-PF, as some factions back Mnangagwa’s continued leadership, while others, including the war veterans, push for change. Zimbabwe’s constitution allows for the impeachment of the president if deemed incapacitated, and with Mnangagwa set to be 86 in 2028, his political future remains a topic of significant debate.

About Geraldine Boechat 2989 Articles
Senior Editor for Medafrica Times and former journalist for Swiss National Television. former NGO team leader in Burundi and Somalia