The video, which has been widely shared on social media and messaging platforms, shows individuals speaking in a mix of Shona and Ndebele declaring that Chiwenga must ‘back off’ or face consequences. While the exact words are obscured by poor audio, the message is clear: a faction loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, often labelled the ‘Presidential Mafia’ by party insiders, is preparing to move against the Vice President. Political analysts say the threat is a direct response to Chiwenga’s increasingly open manoeuvring to position himself as Mnangagwa’s successor.
The Rise of the ‘Presidential Mafia’
Chiwenga, a former army general who played a key role in the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power, has been steadily building his own faction. He has publicly clashed with Mnangagwa allies over economic policy, and recent cabinet reshuffles have sidelined several Chiwenga loyalists. The Vice President’s camp believes the ‘Presidential Mafia’ is behind a campaign of subtle harassment, including the arrest of his allies on corruption charges. The explicit threat in the video suggests the gloves are coming off.
Geopolitical Stakes for Southern Africa
