Mnangagwa Quickly Changes Constitution While Chiwenga Held Up Killing His Own Wife – Eduzim News

Investigative Report: Power Consolidation Amidst Internal Turmoil in Zimbabwe

By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Analysis | Harare, Zimbabwe – Recent developments in Zimbabwe reveal a troubling trajectory as President Emmerson Mnangagwa appears to be tightening his grip on power through constitutional amendments, while Vice President Constantino Chiwenga remains entangled in personal battles, including a high-profile feud with his estranged wife.

Constitutional Changes to Extend Presidential Rule.

An article published in The Herald dated January 15, 2025, highlights a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at extending Mnangagwa’s presidential term beyond the limits set by the constitution. This amendment could potentially allow him to remain in power well into the 2030s, sparking concerns over democratic backsliding.

The timing of these amendments is significant, as they coincide with a public narrative of Mnangagwa bridging divides between the ruling ZANU-PF and the opposition. However, critics argue that these moves reflect a calculated strategy to solidify control, bypassing any meaningful opposition. By shifting focus to constitutional reform, Mnangagwa is systematically dismantling checks and balances while maintaining the veneer of inclusivity and dialogue.

Chiwenga’s Fall: From Military General to Political Pet

Meanwhile, Vice President Chiwenga’s trajectory reveals a dramatic decline in stature and influence. Once celebrated as the military general who orchestrated the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power, Chiwenga now finds himself reduced to what some observers describe as a “precabe farm pet.” This term, charged with symbolic weight, reflects the sharp contrast between his past as a military strongman and his current diminished role under Mnangagwa’s leadership.

This stark reduction is seen as deliberate, orchestrated by Mnangagwa to neutralize Chiwenga as a political threat. Chiwenga’s focus on personal and legal battles, including his estranged wife’s high-profile court cases, has further eroded his political influence. Moreover, this development confirms the enduring effectiveness of intelligence operations over military might in consolidating power.

Mnangagwa, often accused of being a master strategist, has long been shadowed by reports alleging his ties to Rhodesian Intelligence since his entry into ZANU-PF structures in 1977. His failure to address these allegations raises further questions about his ability to manipulate individuals and systems with surgical precision. For many, this is evidence that warfare—no matter how decisive—stands no chance against an organized and covert intelligence operation.

A Strategic Neutralization

The evolution of Chiwenga’s role highlights Mnangagwa’s adeptness at consolidating power while marginalizing potential rivals. The 2018 bomb attack, which Chiwenga survived, marked the beginning of his political decline. Combined with his current distractions and diminished influence, this suggests that Mnangagwa has systematically stripped Chiwenga of his once-formidable power base.

Observers note that this is no coincidence. By redirecting public attention to constitutional amendments and internal conflicts within ZANU-PF, Mnangagwa has insulated himself from criticism while steadily dismantling potential threats to his rule. Chiwenga’s symbolic transformation from a general to a subdued political figure epitomizes Mnangagwa’s calculated moves to secure unchallenged control.

Conclusion: An Autocratic Future?

The juxtaposition of Mnangagwa’s strategic maneuvers and Chiwenga’s reduced role raises serious concerns about Zimbabwe’s future. Mnangagwa’s consolidation of power, underpinned by alleged intelligence connections and strategic manipulation, risks eroding democratic norms and entrenching authoritarianism.

As Mnangagwa strengthens his grip, Chiwenga’s decline serves as a cautionary tale of how even the most formidable leaders can be neutralized by intelligence operations. This development confirms that Zimbabwe’s political elite is less driven by national stability and more consumed by personal ambition and strategic maneuvering.

The question now is whether Mnangagwa’s actions will ultimately solidify his legacy or destabilize the nation, as the once-powerful Chiwenga becomes another casualty of Zimbabwe’s turbulent political landscape.