Concerns were raised in a Harare neighborhood as a long convoy of armored personnel tanks rolled through, briefly sparking fears of a military coup in Zimbabwe. Social media posts questioning the situation quickly spread, with some recalling past coups in the country.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana reassured the public that the tanks were part of a routine exercise to test equipment and posed no threat. However, the ongoing speculation highlighted underlying tensions within the country.
Prior to the military drill, President Emmerson Mnangagwa faced criticism from his own party for the first time since taking office in 2017, with calls for his resignation. This criticism brought back memories of the coup that removed his predecessor, Robert Mugabe.
A Zanu-PF member, Blessed Geza, known as „Bombshell“, publicly criticized Mnangagwa, accusing him of corruption and nepotism. This led to a series of confrontational press conferences and calls for the president to step down.
The situation escalated further when Bombshell went into hiding after being accused of treason for his remarks. Journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who interviewed Bombshell, was also arrested on charges of inciting violence.
Political tensions continued to rise as discussions about extending Mnangagwa’s term in office until 2030 emerged. Despite assurances from the president that he would step down in three years, the Catholic Bishops Conference warned against distraction from pressing issues like unemployment and corruption.
While Geza’s outburst led to his expulsion from Zanu-PF, analysts believe it is unlikely to mobilize widespread support against the president. The political landscape remains divided, with little capacity for mass mobilization as seen during Mugabe’s ousting in 2017.
The economic situation in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate, adding to the complexities of the political situation in the country.
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