Prominent political activist Freeman Chari has cautioned opposition supporters against being drawn into what he describes as destructive and misleading factional battles within the ruling ZANU-PF party, arguing that the internal power struggles do not represent genuine pathways to democratic reform.
In a strongly worded intervention on social media platform X, Chari said the escalating tensions between factions aligned to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga are being wrongly framed as ideological or reformist struggles, when in reality they are a contest for control within what he termed a “military dictatorship.”
According to Chari, the ongoing debate around Mnangagwa’s alleged bid to extend his rule beyond 2028 to 2030, and resistance to it from Chiwenga’s camp, should not excite or divide opposition supporters.
“The fight is a distraction,” Chari wrote, arguing that as long as political power remains anchored in military influence and elections are administered by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), prospects for free and fair elections remain nonexistent.
His comments come amid public fallout from ZANU-PF Politburo meetings, where tensions between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga reportedly erupted into open confrontation. Chiwenga has allegedly accused the President’s inner circle — including business figures Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Delish Nguwaya, Pedzai Sakupwanya and Wicknell Chivayo — of systemic corruption and state capture.
Mnangagwa has responded by launching a scathing personal attack on his deputy, publicly labelling Chiwenga “ignorant,” “immature,” and prone to emotional outbursts. The President further questioned Chiwenga’s understanding of democratic governance and civilian leadership, suggesting ideological reorientation training at the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology for senior party structures.
Chari dismissed the notion that highlighting Chiwenga’s role in alleged abuses equates to defending Mnangagwa’s constitutional manoeuvres. He argued that Chiwenga was a central figure in the ZANU-PF leadership during periods marked by disputed elections and controversial constitutional decisions.
He cited the 2018 and 2023 elections, which were widely criticised for irregularities, the extension of former Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s term, the refusal by ZEC to release the voters’ roll, the establishment of disputed polling stations, and the contentious delimitation exercise linked to Sengezo Tshabangu.
“Zimbabwe is a military dictatorship,” Chari asserted. “As long as ED, Chiwenga, ZANU and ZEC remain in control, there is no constitution and no meaningful elections.”
He concluded by warning opposition supporters against investing hope in future electoral cycles, including the much-discussed 2028 polls, arguing that the system itself is irredeemably compromised.
Chari called instead for citizens to focus on organising alternative, non-electoral strategies to dismantle what he described as an entrenched military-controlled political order, rather than participating in what he termed “political theatre” disguised as reform.
