HARARE, Zimbabwe is entering one of its most politically uncertain periods since the military-assisted transition that ended Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule in 2017, as a constitutional dispute, growing political tensions, and planned nationwide protests converge.
Ruling party insiders have argued that, during the final days of the 2017 military intervention, Mugabe viewed Chiwenga as a key figure in preserving stability after his departure, even though Mnangagwa ultimately assumed the presidency following Mugabe’s resignation.
The constitutional dispute has become a rallying point for civil society organisations and opposition activists, who have called for nationwide protests on July 31, arguing that the Constitution should not be amended in ways that could weaken democratic safeguards. Government supporters, meanwhile, have warned that the demonstrations could undermine public order, contributing to an increasingly tense political atmosphere.
The debate has been further fuelled by comments from cultural commentator Joshua Maponga, who has publicly spoken about what he calls “CAB4” and the possibility of elevating Mnangagwa to the status of “King Munhumutapa,” a reference to the pre-colonial empire that once dominated much of present-day Zimbabwe.
Speculation over succession has also been driven by unverified reports circulating in political circles alleging that Mnangagwa intends to shape the succession process in favour of members of his family.
Critics argue that the changes could concentrate executive authority and erode constitutional checks and balances.
For many Zimbabweans, nearly a decade after Mugabe’s removal, Zimbabwe once again finds itself confronting fundamental questions about succession, the limits of executive power and the resilience of its democratic institutions.
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