Harare, Zimbabwe – A deepening power struggle at the highest levels of Zimbabwe’s government has erupted into open warfare, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s family and military career now in the crosshairs. New allegations, circulating widely in political and security circles, claim that President Emmerson Mnangagwa made a “deadly mistake” by underestimating Chiwenga’s resolve, and that the Vice President’s son may soon be forced out of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. The unfolding drama threatens to destabilise an already fragile ruling alliance and could trigger a succession crisis with regional implications.
The Claim: A Son’s Career on the Line
“This is not just about one officer’s career – it is a declaration of war inside the ruling party,” said Dr. Pedzisayi Ruhanya, a Zimbabwean political commentator who tracks military-civilian relations. “Mnangagwa appears to be trying to send a message that no one, not even the Vice President’s bloodline, is beyond his reach. But Chiwenga commands fierce loyalty among rank-and-file soldiers. If the President overplays his hand, he could fracture the army and invite a counter-strike.”
Background: The Generals’ Rivalry
The rivalry between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga is not new. It dates back to the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, which Chiwenga orchestrated and Mnangagwa inherited. For years, the two men have maintained an uneasy truce, dividing control of the state apparatus: Mnangagwa holds the civilian political machinery, while Chiwenga retains deep influence over the military and intelligence services. However, the simmering tension has escalated sharply in recent months as Mnangagwa signals his intention to seek a third term in 2028 – a move that would block Chiwenga’s long-expected ascent to the presidency.
