Zimbabwean Politics Unveiled: Power Struggles, Controversies, and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Zimbabwe's political landscape has always been complex and often turbulent, shaped by its colonial past, economic struggles, and power dynamics. While public debates and news headlines focus on the major events that grab attention, much of the real action happens behind the scenes. From intra-party power struggles to international influence and grassroots movements, Zimbabwean politics is constantly evolving, often in ways that are not immediately visible. In this article, we delve into the latest political movements and controversies to uncover what’s really going on behind closed doors.

1. The ZANU-PF Internal Power Struggles

ZANU-PF, the ruling party since Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, continues to dominate the country’s political arena. However, the party’s internal dynamics have been far from stable. Since the ousting of Robert Mugabe in 2017, factionalism has become more pronounced, with different camps vying for control.

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Leadership: President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over from Mugabe through a military intervention, has faced ongoing challenges in consolidating power. While he has maintained the support of the military, which played a crucial role in his rise, several factions within ZANU-PF continue to jockey for influence.

• The Lacoste vs. G40 Rift: Although the G40 faction, which supported Grace Mugabe, was largely sidelined after the coup, some remnants remain influential. The "Lacoste" faction, aligned with Mnangagwa, has worked to purge G40 loyalists, but old alliances die hard. Rumors of former G40 members seeking a return to power, either through covert deals or new political alignments, continue to surface.

• The “Young Turks” vs. Old Guard: Another significant divide within ZANU-PF is between the “Young Turks” (younger party members advocating for modernization and reform) and the Old Guard, who remain rooted in the liberation war-era politics. Mnangagwa, who belongs to the Old Guard, has sought to placate both sides but faces increasing pressure from the youth wing of the party.

The Mnangagwa-Chiwenga Dynamic: Constant speculation surrounds the relationship between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Chiwenga, the former army chief who orchestrated Mugabe’s removal, is seen as a potential rival for the presidency. While the two have publicly maintained a united front, insiders report that tension exists, particularly over how to handle the country’s economic crisis and international relations.

• The Health Crisis Rumor Mill: Chiwenga’s frequent health problems and trips to China for treatment have fueled speculation about his political future. Some argue that his health issues are weakening his ability to challenge Mnangagwa, while others suggest that he could be positioning himself to take over should Mnangagwa falter.

2. Opposition Movements: The Struggles and Controversies

While ZANU-PF has dominated Zimbabwe’s political space, opposition movements have struggled to make headway, often hampered by internal divisions, government crackdowns, and limited access to state resources.

The MDC and Its Splinter Groups: The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), long considered Zimbabwe's main opposition party, has undergone a series of splits and internal leadership battles in recent years. The party, founded by the late Morgan Tsvangirai, has seen its influence wane as a result of infighting.

• Nelson Chamisa vs. Thokozani Khupe: The 2018 death of Tsvangirai triggered a leadership contest between Nelson Chamisa and Thokozani Khupe. Chamisa ultimately took control of the party under the MDC Alliance banner, but the rivalry with Khupe—who leads a faction known as MDC-T—continues to divide the opposition. The infighting has weakened the party’s ability to mount a strong challenge to ZANU-PF in elections.

• Chamisa’s Vision and Struggles: Nelson Chamisa remains a popular figure, particularly among Zimbabwe’s youth, who see him as a dynamic and modern leader. However, Chamisa’s leadership has not been without controversy. Critics argue that he has struggled to unify the party and articulate a clear plan for addressing Zimbabwe’s economic woes. Additionally, the MDC Alliance has faced accusations of working too closely with foreign actors, which ZANU-PF has used to discredit the party.

• New Players and Coalition Politics: In response to the MDC's struggles, smaller opposition parties have emerged, including the National Patriotic Front (NPF), founded by Mugabe loyalists. Some political observers suggest that a coalition of opposition parties may be necessary to challenge ZANU-PF in future elections, but so far, efforts at unification have been sporadic and ineffective.

3. The Role of the Military: Power Beyond Politics

Zimbabwe’s military has long played a critical role in its politics, acting as a power broker behind the scenes. The 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power demonstrated the military’s ability to shape political outcomes, and its influence has not waned since.

• Military Influence in Civilian Government: Many key government positions are held by former military officials, solidifying the military's presence in the political sphere. The balance of power between the military and civilian government remains delicate, with Mnangagwa relying on military backing to maintain control while also trying to assert his authority as the country’s leader.

• Growing Tensions with Civil Society: The military’s growing involvement in civilian matters, particularly its role in quelling protests and dissent, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Crackdowns on opposition activists and pro-democracy movements have led to increased tension between the government and civil society groups, which accuse the military of undermining democratic processes.

4. The International Arena: Sanctions, Allies, and Diplomatic Moves

Zimbabwe’s politics cannot be understood in isolation from its international relations, especially with regard to sanctions, foreign investment, and diplomatic alliances.

• Sanctions and the Economy: The United States and European Union have maintained targeted sanctions on Zimbabwean officials and entities, citing human rights abuses and electoral irregularities. Mnangagwa has been pushing for the removal of these sanctions, arguing that they are crippling the economy and preventing international investment. However, critics of Mnangagwa argue that internal corruption and mismanagement, not sanctions, are to blame for the country's economic decline.

• China’s Influence: As Western countries continue to distance themselves from Zimbabwe, China has solidified its role as a key ally. China has invested heavily in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure, mining, and energy sectors, and Mnangagwa has made multiple visits to Beijing. While this partnership brings much-needed investment, it has raised concerns about Zimbabwe becoming overly dependent on Chinese financing, with critics questioning the transparency of some deals.

• The West’s Wait-and-See Approach: Despite Mnangagwa's attempts to re-engage with Western nations, relations remain strained. Western governments remain skeptical of Mnangagwa's promises of reform, particularly regarding free elections, media freedom, and the rule of law. As a result, many international investors remain hesitant to commit to Zimbabwe until they see concrete political and economic reforms.

5. Grassroots Movements and Civil Society

Beyond the headline-grabbing battles between ZANU-PF and the opposition, a growing number of grassroots movements and civil society organizations are gaining prominence. These groups, often operating outside the formal political process, focus on issues such as human rights, women’s empowerment, and environmental justice.

• #ThisFlag and #Tajamuka Movements: Popularized on social media, these movements have captured the frustrations of ordinary Zimbabweans with government corruption, mismanagement, and economic hardship. While they have not evolved into formal political parties, they have shown the power of grassroots mobilization and have helped keep the pressure on the government to address social and economic issues.

• The Rise of Social Media as a Political Tool: Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become essential tools for political activists in Zimbabwe. They provide a platform for free speech in a country where state-controlled media dominates the airwaves. Social media has helped expose corruption, organize protests, and raise awareness about human rights abuses, even as the government attempts to curtail internet freedoms.

6. Elections and the Road Ahead

Zimbabwe is gearing up for the next round of elections, and the political landscape remains as unpredictable as ever. With ZANU-PF’s internal power struggles, a fragmented opposition, and a disillusioned electorate, the stakes are high.

• Electoral Reforms: Civil society organizations and opposition parties continue to call for electoral reforms, including the implementation of biometric voting and a truly independent electoral commission. Without significant reforms, many fear that future elections will simply repeat the irregularities and violence seen in past polls.

• The Youth Factor: With a growing youth population, Zimbabwe’s young voters could play a decisive role in upcoming elections. However, disillusionment with the political process has led to voter apathy among many young Zimbabweans. The ability of political parties to engage this demographic may well determine the outcome of future elections.

Final Thoughts

Zimbabwean politics remains a complex web of power plays, shifting alliances, and deep-rooted tensions. While the headlines often focus on public speeches and rallies, much of the real political maneuvering happens behind closed doors. As the country faces continued economic challenges, international scrutiny, and growing demands for reform, the political future of Zimbabwe hangs in the balance. For Zimbabweans and the international community alike, understanding these behind-the-scenes dynamics is key to anticipating what lies ahead.