Harare — President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday delivered a forceful warning to senior Zanu PF leaders during the party’s 386th Ordinary Session of the Politburo, condemning factionalism, indiscipline, and the use of party structures for personal gain. The address, described by sources as a “riot act,” came in the conspicuous absence of his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, and has been widely interpreted as a strategic move to assert authority amid mounting tensions over the party’s succession plans.
Speaking at the party headquarters in Harare, Mnangagwa, without naming any individuals, cautioned senior officials against exploiting Zanu PF for private ambitions. “We must all speak with one voice and march in one direction. Leaders of the party are bound by collective responsibility and must unite around party decisions and resolutions, which serve as our ideological and moral compass,” Mnangagwa said. He further emphasized the need for disciplined communication, urging leaders to avoid personal agendas and reaffirm their commitment to party principles.
The President’s warning comes against a backdrop of renewed factional tensions within Zanu PF, largely fueled by the unresolved question of succession. For years, the party has been split between camps aligned with Mnangagwa and those rallying around Chiwenga, the former army general credited with orchestrating the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe and brought Mnangagwa to power. Chiwenga, long considered a potential successor, was reportedly away on “official business” in India. Curiously, state media made no mention of his trip, prompting speculation that internal manoeuvring may be underway.
Observers say Mnangagwa’s carefully crafted remarks were aimed at curbing unrest among Chiwenga’s supporters and consolidating his control over the party ahead of the upcoming elective congress. Political analysts note that the President has frequently used Politburo and Central Committee meetings to publicly reinforce discipline, deliver veiled warnings, and sideline rivals, particularly when succession uncertainty threatens to destabilize party cohesion.
The timing of Mnangagwa’s intervention also follows weeks of contradictory statements from senior party officials, which exposed deep divisions. Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa recently told journalists that businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a close ally of the President and a newly co-opted Central Committee member, could not “buy his way” to the top of the party. Mutsvangwa insisted that institutional safeguards were in place to prevent undue influence. Yet Secretary for Legal Affairs Patrick Chinamasa contradicted him in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting attempts to curb Tagwirei’s rise were futile, further highlighting inconsistent messaging within the party.
Mnangagwa Issues Stern Warning Against Factionalism, Delivers “Riot Act” at Zanu PF Politburo in Chiwenga’s Absence
Sources who attended the Politburo meeting said Mnangagwa’s address was unusually firm, with a tone meant to leave no doubt about his intolerance for divisive conduct. By emphasizing unity, discipline, and collective responsibility, the President appeared to be sending a clear signal to Chiwenga’s camp, which has grown increasingly restive amid the consolidation of Mnangagwa allies, particularly those linked to influential business interests such as Tagwirei.
Political analyst Dr. Tendai Moyo said the address reflects Mnangagwa’s dual strategy: “He is sending a strong internal signal that factionalism and personal ambition will not be tolerated, while also projecting to the public and party supporters that Zanu PF remains cohesive and committed to governance. It is a classic move to reinforce authority without direct confrontation.”
Mnangagwa’s warning underscores the delicate balance within Zanu PF as succession debates intensify. While the President elevates trusted allies to key positions, Chiwenga retains substantial support among the military and grassroots structures, creating a complex power matrix that requires careful management. Analysts predict that the Politburo session will be remembered as a defining moment in the ongoing struggle to control the party’s succession trajectory.
In closing, sources describe the President’s remarks as a decisive reminder to all senior leaders that Zanu PF’s unity and discipline are non-negotiable. “He reminded officials that the party is more than a platform for individual advancement. Zanu PF is an institution that carries a national responsibility, and any attempt to undermine it for personal gain will be met with consequences,” said one insider.
As Zimbabwe approaches a period of political uncertainty, Mnangagwa’s intervention highlights his determination to stamp out dissent and consolidate control, even as factions loyal to Chiwenga continue to monitor and respond to the growing influence of business-linked allies surrounding the President. For now, the message is unmistakable: unity and discipline within Zanu PF are paramount, and personal ambitions must be subordinated to the party’s collective interests.
Source- ZimEye
