A group of Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans has publicly called for the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of corruption, nepotism, and failing to address the country’s economic woes. While these veterans are affiliated with the ruling Zanu-PF Party, their demands have been dismissed by party officials, further intensifying the rift within the leadership.
Blessed Runesu Geza, a veteran from Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and a senior member of Zanu-PF’s central committee, demanded that President Mnangagwa step down immediately during a press conference streamed online. Geza criticized Mnangagwa for failing to deliver on promises made during his rise to power in 2017, when he assumed office with the backing of the military. He lamented the poor treatment of fallen liberation heroes, many of whom are buried without proper graves, and accused the president of turning Zimbabwe into a “banana republic.” Geza also condemned widespread corruption, which he described as a national security threat, and highlighted the dire struggles of ordinary citizens.
“As war veterans, we are saying enough is enough,” Geza declared, speaking in Shona. “You have failed, and it can’t get worse.” He further accused the president of shielding corrupt figures, adding that Zimbabweans were questioning their choice of leader and calling for his resignation. Geza urged Mnangagwa to leave office peacefully, warning that the people could resort to constitutional means to force him out if necessary.
Zanu-PF’s official response, however, has been dismissive. Farai Marapira, a spokesman for the ruling party, rejected the veterans’ demands, asserting that the party’s position had already been clearly established and should be adhered to through formal party channels. “This is simply rogue ranting,” Marapira stated, emphasizing that the party had already made decisions during its recent conference, which set the course for the future.
In a resolution passed at the Zanu-PF conference, party leaders endorsed a third term for Mnangagwa in 2028, provided that constitutional amendments can be secured.
Political analysts suggest that the war veterans’ frustrations are rooted in unmet expectations following Mnangagwa’s ascension to power, which marked the end of Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule. Eldred Masunungure, a political expert at the University of Zimbabwe, remarked that while the veterans’ discontent is clear, the outcome of their efforts remains uncertain. “Their exasperation is palpable, but what comes next is unclear,” Masunungure said.
Zimbabwe’s constitution, adopted in 2013, grants parliament the authority to impeach the president if lawmakers determine he is incapacitated.
As Mnangagwa approaches his 86th birthday in 2028, he will be one of the oldest heads of state in Africa, raising questions about his ability to continue leading the country.