MNANGAGWA’S THIRD TERM DREAM FALLS APART AS CHIWENGA AND ARMY TAKE CONTROL

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s plan to stay in power until 2030 has now fallen apart. It is very clear that his third term dream is no longer possible. This collapse comes after strong signs of opposition from Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and the military. What happened at the National Youth Day event in Bulawayo showed that Mnangagwa no longer has the power he thought he had. His own supporters did not chant the usual “2030 ndeya Emmerson” slogans. They were silent, and that silence said everything.

At the event, Chiwenga stood next to his wife, calm and sure of himself. The crowd did not cheer for Mnangagwa the way they used to for months. This silence was not a mistake. It was a signal. It showed that the army-backed faction led by Chiwenga is now stronger. Mnangagwa’s support base is falling apart, and even the people who used to push the 2030 campaign have stepped back.

In the past days, the military made its message very clear. Armoured vehicles and other military equipment were seen in the streets of Harare. This was not a small move. It was a warning. The army wanted Mnangagwa and everyone else to see that they do not want him to extend his rule. A military insider even said the army’s position is “unequivocal”, meaning they are firm and not changing their mind. They want Mnangagwa to retire in 2028 when his second term ends.

Mnangagwa has tried to act like he was never part of the “2030” campaign. He said again on Monday that he plans to retire in 2028. But everyone knows the campaign had grown big and loud. Many of his supporters had been fighting hard for it. Now all that noise is gone. The army has stepped in, and the campaign has died.

War veterans have also turned against Mnangagwa. This is another big blow. They are an important group in the politics of the country. They have said Mnangagwa must step down now because he has failed as a leader. Their voice is powerful, and their anger shows how deep the problem has become for Mnangagwa.

The dropping of the “2030” slogans by his supporters is a sign that Mnangagwa’s power is fading. The army’s strong position has forced people to stop supporting the idea of a third term. This also shows that there is a change happening inside Zanu PF. Chiwenga is now looking like the favourite to take over when Mnangagwa leaves.

Chiwenga has always been a strong figure. He is a former army general and has the full support of the military. Now he and his allies seem to be in control. Mnangagwa’s grip on power is getting weaker each day.

In the end, it is clear that Mnangagwa will not stay in office until 2030. The army has blocked that plan, and Chiwenga’s influence is now too strong to ignore. Zimbabwe is now entering a new stage of politics, and the battle for power is becoming more open. Only time will show how far this shift will go, but for now, Mnangagwa’s dream is over.