By Advent Shoko
Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Nyikadzino Guvheya Chiwenga, shocked political circles by skipping a high-profile ZANU PF Politburo seminar, a move analysts say reflects growing tension over succession plans within the ruling party.
Political commentator Hopewell Chin’ono linked Chiwenga’s absence to the recently approved constitutional amendments, which extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 and remove direct presidential elections. Chin’ono said:
“In a dramatic sign of escalating emotions, Zimbabwe’s Vice President…chose not to attend the ZANU PF strategic seminar for its Politburo members, signalling deepening factional tensions and an intensifying succession battle inside ZANU PF.”
Instead, Chiwenga attended the funeral of a former ZIPRA fighter, while Vice President Kembo Mohadi, a former ZIPRA cadre, attended the seminar.
The constitutional amendments have drawn criticism for consolidating power around Mnangagwa and reducing Chiwenga’s pathway to the presidency. Chin’ono reported that a tense exchange occurred between the two leaders during the Cabinet presentation, stating:
“Whilst Chiwenga was rebutting what had been presented, the President intervened twice, reminding him that he was the Head of State and that they went to war in order to return home and govern as they wished as the ruling party.”
However, some commentators caution against overinterpreting the absence. One observer said:
“Efforts to portray Vice President Chiwenga’s absence as a rejection of the Constitutional Amendments are misplaced. An individual’s absence does not invalidate a process that follows proper constitutional channels.”
While Chiwenga’s absence raises questions about succession dynamics, the constitutional amendment process, through gazetting, and parliamentary approval, remains on track. The opposition and civic society are taking measures to stop the bill.
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