The political countdown in Harare has officially begun, with analysts predicting the end of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s tenure within the next 90 days. As the state moves toward debating Constitutional Amendment Number 3, the divide between the Presidency and the Vice Presidency has reached a point of no return. The current strategy appears to be a multi-front campaign designed to marinate the public for Chiwenga’s eventual removal before the end of April, ensuring that President Mnangagwa can secure his 2030 objectives without internal opposition.
Central to this campaign is the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, who has recently been observed mocking the Vice President in public forums. By adopting a "mocking tone" and publicly urging Chiwenga to "humble himself," the ZANU-PF establishment is constructing a narrative of disrespect and insubordination. This calculated rhetoric is aimed at eroding Chiwenga’s standing among the party’s provincial structures, framing his removal as a necessary step for maintaining party discipline and unity.
Furthermore, the attack has extended to the Vice President's personal life, with influential figures suggesting that senior military generals are bypassing official protocols to report directly to Chiwenga’s spouse. These allegations, while dismissed by some as improbable given the rigid military hierarchy, serve a dual purpose: they undermine the Vice President's professional authority and suggest a loss of control within his own household. This psychological warfare is a hallmark of the "silent purge" currently unfolding in the corridors of power.
Beyond the internal party squabbles, the nation is witnessing a broader crackdown on civic space. From the banning of public meetings to the arrest of opposition activists, Zimbabwe is effectively under a de facto state of emergency as the constitutional amendment process accelerates. This environment of heightened security is designed to stifle any potential backlash from either the military or the civilian population as the core leadership transition is finalized ahead of Independence Day celebrations in mid-April.
The implications of these maneuvers are far-reaching. As the economic situation continues to deteriorate—highlighted by the recent collapse of retail giants into receivership—the focus remains squarely on the survival of the executive. The question for observers is no longer if Chiwenga will be removed, but how the military establishment will react when their primary representative is finally cast aside. For the full live briefing and real-time updates on this unfolding crisis, follow the links below.
