A faction of Zimbabwe’s war veterans has publicly demanded the immediate resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, citing issues of corruption, nepotism, and economic mismanagement during a press conference held on Sunday.
The call was led by Blessed Runesu Geza, a member of the Zanu PF Central Committee, who was joined by five other veterans. Geza criticized Mnangagwa’s leadership, stating, “We ask him to go peacefully. If he refuses to take heed of this advice, we have no option but to ask the people of Zimbabwe to deal with a rogue president in line with the constitution.”
The veterans also expressed strong opposition to any potential amendments to the constitution that would remove term limits, which could permit Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond 2028. Geza warned that such actions would “throw the country into disquiet.”
This demand for resignation comes at a time when Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is serving as acting president during Mnangagwa’s annual leave. Chiwenga is widely considered a likely successor when Mnangagwa’s second and final term concludes in 2028.
The statement from the war veterans has fueled speculation regarding possible backing from a military faction within the ruling party. Observers noted that the rhetoric used by the veterans mirrors that of Chiwenga prior to the military coup in 2017 that resulted in the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe.
In a related development, exiled former Zanu PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere took to social media to express support for the veterans’ call, referencing the Mgagao Declaration of 1975, which was pivotal in establishing Mugabe’s rise to power.
