President Emmerson Mnangagwa has strongly condemned certain members of his party, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU PF), accusing them of attempting to sow chaos in the country. He described these individuals as “chameleon-like” for allegedly aligning themselves with opposition groups and external detractors in a bid to destabilize Zimbabwe. The president made these remarks during his address at the 125th Central Committee meeting held at the party’s headquarters in Harare on Thursday, March 27.
Mnangagwa’s comments were directed at party members he accused of being opportunistic and seeking to undermine the party’s revolutionary legacy for their own benefit. He vowed to take firm action against those planning to cause unrest, promising that they would “soon meet their fate.”
Security Forces to Ensure Public Safety
In response to growing concerns about instability in the country, Mnangagwa assured Zimbabweans that security forces would be deployed nationwide to protect property and maintain the safety of all citizens. The president made it clear that the government would take all necessary steps to maintain order and prevent violence, particularly in light of calls for mass protests scheduled for March 31.
“To be a leader in our revolutionary mass party ZANU PF is never an entitlement or a right. We must remain anchored on the commitment to wholeheartedly serve the people of our great motherland, Zimbabwe,” Mnangagwa said during his speech.
He stressed that leadership within ZANU PF should be based on service to the people, not personal entitlement or opportunism. He condemned what he referred to as a “retrogressive trend” emerging within the party, where some members were allegedly acting as “accessories” to the country’s detractors. According to Mnangagwa, these actions not only betray the party’s core principles but also tarnish Zimbabwe’s image and undermine the gains of the liberation struggle.
The Call for Protests and Mnangagwa’s Defiance
The backdrop to Mnangagwa’s speech is a growing call for mass protests, scheduled for March 31, led by war veterans Blessed Geza and Andreas Mathibela. These individuals, who were once part of ZANU PF, have turned against the party, accusing Mnangagwa of corruption, nepotism, and economic mismanagement. The protests have gained traction, especially on social media, among factions within ZANU PF and ordinary Zimbabweans who are frustrated by the country’s economic challenges and worsening living conditions.
Geza and Mathibela’s demands for Mnangagwa’s resignation have been echoed by other critics, citing the economic hardships Zimbabweans are enduring. The country’s hyperinflation, unemployment, and food insecurity have placed immense pressure on citizens, creating widespread disillusionment with the ruling government.
Mnangagwa, however, remains defiant in the face of these calls for protests. In his speech, he urged Zimbabweans to reject the planned demonstrations, accusing the organizers of attempting to destabilize the country. The president has consistently accused the opposition and other detractors of being agents of foreign interests, undermining the sovereignty and stability of Zimbabwe.
State Security on High Alert
Mnangagwa’s comments about the deployment of security forces nationwide were part of his broader message to reassure citizens that the government is prepared to deal with any threats to public order. He stated that the country’s State security infrastructure was in place to safeguard the safety of Zimbabweans from Plumtree to Mutare and from Chirundu to Beitbridge. The president emphasized that Zimbabweans should go about their daily lives without fear, as the government would ensure peace and stability across the nation.
“People are called upon to go about their business as usual. Our State security infrastructure is in place to protect property and the safety of all Zimbabweans.”
Mnangagwa’s remarks reflect his firm stance against any attempt to challenge the government’s authority, with a clear warning to those involved in the protests or planning to incite unrest.
Internal Struggles within ZANU PF
The ongoing internal divisions within ZANU PF are also playing a significant role in the political climate. Geza, a former ZANU PF Central Committee member, and Mathibela have become leading figures in a growing faction within the party that is dissatisfied with Mnangagwa’s leadership. The party’s internal struggles have created a volatile political environment, with several members allegedly turning against the president, seeking to force his resignation.
Mnangagwa’s address highlights his resolve to maintain control over the party and the country. His condemnation of “rogue opportunists” within ZANU PF signals his determination to purge those he perceives as disloyal or undermining the party’s agenda.
Conclusion
President Mnangagwa’s speech at the Central Committee meeting serves as a clear indication that his government is prepared to take strong action against anyone attempting to destabilize Zimbabwe. His condemnation of certain ZANU PF members, his call for security forces to maintain order, and his defiance against the planned protests all underscore his commitment to holding onto power despite growing opposition. As Zimbabwe approaches the March 31 protests, the nation remains on edge, awaiting how the political landscape will unfold in the coming days.
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