KEY POINTS
- Ziyambi Ziyambi leads a push to remove Blessed Geza from ZANU-PF.
- Geza accuses Mnangagwa of corruption and calls for his resignation.
- Allegations emerge linking Geza to an unresolved murder case.
ZANU-PF Politburo member Ziyambi Ziyambi is leading efforts to expel outspoken Central Committee member Blessed Geza, whose open criticism of President Emmerson Mnangagwa has intensified factional battles within the ruling party.
For more than a week, Geza has publicly accused Mnangagwa of nepotism, state capture, and corruption, claims that have reignited tensions within party ranks.
His statements have drawn comparisons to the events leading up to the removal of former President Robert Mugabe in 2017, with some war veterans supporting his call for change.
At a rally in Zvimba East Constituency, Ziyambi condemned Geza’s demands, stating that his actions violate ZANU-PF’s internal processes.
According to New Zimbabwe, he argued that leadership changes should only occur through party congresses, with the next one scheduled for 2027.
Geza’s call for Mnangagwa’s resignation sparks controversy
Geza and a group of war veterans have accused Mnangagwa of betraying Zimbabweans who hoped for reforms after Mugabe’s ousting.
They argue that Mnangagwa’s governance mirrors the life-presidency ambitions seen during Mugabe’s rule.
“This administration has failed us,” Geza said. “Zimbabweans believed 2017 would end nepotism and privatization of our country’s resources, but the situation has worsened.”
Geza warned that if Mnangagwa does not step down voluntarily, Zimbabweans should invoke constitutional measures to remove him from office.
His remarks have divided opinions, with some viewing him as a whistleblower and others as a destabilizing force within the party.
Allegations of past crimes and political motivations
In his remarks, Ziyambi went beyond political criticisms, alleging that Geza had been involved in a past murder case that was not properly investigated.
Ziyambi promised to lead officials in reopening investigations into a past crime that suggested Geza attempted to avoid being investigated instead of acting out of political motives.
The supporters of Mnangagwa create enthusiastic chants in favor of extending his leadership until 2030.
A faction within the party is working to formalize a resolution that would allow Mnangagwa to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms.
The escalating political tensions demonstrate deeper partisan divisions throughout ZANU-PF because of the ongoing struggle between Mnangagwa’s supporters and Geza’s faction, that may cause significant political shifts in upcoming months.
