Political Reporter- Rift within the government is widening as Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has deliberately snubbed several events hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, intensifying speculation of a power struggle.
Mnangagwa has reportedly stopped inviting Chiwenga to private functions, citing fears of poisoning as tensions between the two escalate.
Coup rumours have also gained traction after a helicopter crash last month in Masvingo, which was meant to transport Mnangagwa.
Though the president wasn’t on board, insiders suggest that Mnangagwa suspects Chiwenga knows more than he reveals.
Chiwenga’s absence at Mnangagwa’s recent birthday celebrations at Great Zimbabwe Monuments, where the president launched ‘Munhumutapa Day’ to strengthen his rule beyond 2028, further deepened the rift. Instead, Chiwenga attended a competing event in Bulawayo, a move seen as a deliberate snub.
With Mnangagwa pushing to extend his rule to 2030, military loyalties appear to be shifting, as senior commanders have increasingly aligned with Chiwenga, attending his events while skipping those hosted by the president.
Mnangagwa, wary after multiple security incidents, including the 2018 Bulawayo bombing and a 2021 helicopter crash, now avoids flying without Chiwenga, signaling rising tensions between the two powerhouses.
