Rising Tensions Within Zimbabwe’s Ruling Party
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inner circle is experiencing growing tensions, with recent accusations from his advisor Paul Tungwarara against businessman Kudwakwashe Tagwirei highlighting deepening rifts within the ruling Zanu PF party. These developments come as the struggle for succession within the 83-year-old leader’s camp intensifies.
Tungwarara, speaking at a rally in Manicaland, did not name Tagwirei directly but accused him of pressuring Mnangagwa to remove several vice presidents, ministers, and senior civil servants. He claimed that the businessman had also attempted to create divisions between two prominent figures in the political landscape—Scott Sakupwanya and Wicknell Chivayo.
“When it started, it was my brother Scott who was scolded for being close to the president,” Tungwarara said. “When someone finds grace, you should be happy because the grace can extend to you.”
He continued, “When he is seated there (close to Mnangagwa) they say why is he seated there, he should be removed. His blue suit is for rituals. I am saying something that I heard them say. Don’t provoke me, I will expose you.”
Tungwarara suggested that Tagwirei had been behind attempts to discredit Chivayo, claiming he had made money through contracts and was now being labeled a thief. The advisor alleged that Tagwirei had orchestrated a campaign to remove various officials, starting with permanent secretaries and moving up to deputy ministers and ministers.
“[Tagwirei] lied that one of the VPs was a thief, but did not mention the name,” Tungwarara said. “This would be a lie, don’t be misled by these malcontents.”
The remarks sparked fierce reactions from within the party. Taurai Kandishaya, the commissar for Harare province, accused Tungwarara of acting like a Selous Scout, a reference to a historical paramilitary group. Kandishaya, known to be a loyalist of Tagwirei, criticized Tungwarara for not fulfilling his role as an investment advisor to the United Arab Emirates.
“Does he know we’re in recruitment mode? I had to check the last time he brought investors into the country, as per his mandate,” Kandishaya wrote on Facebook. “Seems like investors lost trust in him, hence this rush to wield some internal power so as to solidify name-dropping in the UAE.”
Kandishaya also claimed that Tungwarara was working with war veteran Blessed Geza, who has been pushing for Mnangagwa’s resignation over allegations of corruption and incompetence. He called for Tungwarara to attend the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology to learn discipline and recommended a “repair rally” in Nyanga to address confusion among party members.
Tagwirei’s Ambitions Under Scrutiny
Tagwirei has long been seen as a potential rival to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is widely regarded as Mnangagwa’s likely successor. Chiwenga has even called for the arrest of both Tungwarara and Tagwirei for allegedly misusing state resources.
In recent weeks, Tagwirei has faced increased scrutiny over his ambitions. A social media post by his relative, Pretty Mlalazi, two weeks ago fueled speculation about his intentions to take over power. Observers noted that the post revealed a clear desire for leadership.
Tagwirei has also been making frequent appearances in Harare after his elevation to the Zanu central committee. His actions have included controversial policy announcements and traveling with large convoys, drawing attention from both supporters and critics.
The Implications for Zanu PF
As these internal conflicts continue, the stability of Zanu PF remains uncertain. The party, which has dominated Zimbabwe’s political landscape for decades, is now facing challenges from within. The rivalry between different factions could impact the upcoming elections and the future direction of the nation.
With key figures like Tungwarara and Tagwirei vying for influence, the dynamics within the party are shifting. The question remains whether these internal struggles will lead to unity or further fragmentation.
