“Mnangagwa’s Rogue Ambition”: Mawarire Slams ED2030 Push

The push for Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term extension to 2030, dubbed “ED2030,” has sparked controversy within the ruling Zanu PF party. Politician Jealousy Mawarire claims this initiative is driving a wedge through the already divided party, which has long been plagued by divisions between factions loyal to Mnangagwa and those aligned with his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga.

Mawarire argues that the push for term extension has resulted in illegal fundraising activities, such as requiring beneficiaries of the land reform to pay $500 per hectare. This move is expected to generate around $6.6 billion outside of government, which would likely be used to fund the campaign to remove the presidential term limit.

Mawarire accuses Mnangagwa of subverting both party and national constitutions, creating parallel structures like the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, and blurring the lines between state functions and party politics. He warns that the implementation of ED2030 could further erode trust in governance and deepen economic woes.

It’s worth noting that Mnangagwa’s term is expected to end in 2028, and he has previously stated that he will retire at the end of his constitutionally-mandated two terms. However, even if the Constitution is amended, the supreme law of the land states that an office bearer cannot be a beneficiary of an amended statute.