Dr. Paul Tungwarara Condemns War Veterans’ Attacks on President Mnangagwa, Citing Economic Harm
Dr. Paul Tungwarara, a distinguished businessman and Special Presidential Investment Advisor to the United Arab Emirates, has issued a strong condemnation of the recent attacks directed at His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, by a small faction of war veterans led by one Cde Blessed Geza. Dr. Tungwarara has characterized these unwarranted assaults as deeply retrogressive and a direct impediment to Zimbabwe’s development agenda, warning that such reckless rhetoric poses a significant threat to the country’s economic trajectory.
He emphasized that the actions of this minority group have sown unnecessary confusion among investors, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty that could have far-reaching and detrimental consequences on Zimbabwe’s ability to attract both domestic and foreign investment. In an era where the Second Republic has been making concerted efforts to improve the nation’s global standing, stabilizing the economy, and fostering an investor-friendly environment, such reckless and self-serving smear campaigns threaten to undo the positive momentum that has been painstakingly built.
“The attacks against His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, are not only baseless but serve no purpose other than to undermine national progress. Investors require stability, clarity, and confidence in a country’s leadership. Any reckless political maneuvering that casts doubt on the leadership’s ability to govern effectively only works to drive potential investors away, further aggravating economic challenges. It is, therefore, imperative that responsible citizens safeguard Zimbabwe’s reputation rather than tarnish it for personal or factional gain,” Dr. Tungwarara stated.
Furthermore, he warned that such smear campaigns are carefully orchestrated attempts to manipulate public opinion, causing unnecessary panic while deterring economic engagement. He lamented the fact that just as Zimbabwe had begun making strides toward economic recovery and restoring its global image, destructive narratives are now being peddled to derail progress.
“Our country has been on a positive development trajectory, gradually gaining recognition and trust on the global stage. Then suddenly, individuals with self-serving motives wake up and launch an onslaught against the leadership, not considering the wider implications of their actions. Such reckless statements create unnecessary confusion among investors. At a time when Zimbabweans are already grappling with the adverse effects of illegal sanctions, it is irresponsible to engage in actions that further deepen economic hardships. A smear campaign, by its very nature, destabilizes confidence, and when investor confidence is lost, the ordinary citizen bears the brunt of the economic consequences,” he explained.
Dr. Tungwarara emphasized that any well-meaning and progressive Zimbabwean should prioritize national development and align themselves with President Mnangagwa’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. Achieving this goal, he asserted, requires unity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the Second Republic’s development agenda, guided by the principles of inclusivity and self-reliance as encapsulated in the mantra Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo (A country is built by its own people).
“It is disheartening to witness how a single reckless statement can have wide-reaching effects, potentially reversing the gains that have been achieved through hard work and dedication. Every Zimbabwean should understand that negative narratives about the leadership directly impact the economic well-being of all citizens. In some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, stringent laws exist to prevent individuals from engaging in smear campaigns that seek to tarnish the image of the Head of State. There, anyone who embarks on a campaign to discredit or undermine the President, particularly on social media, faces immediate legal consequences. Perhaps this explains why the UAE has managed to maintain its status as a global economic powerhouse. It is a system built on discipline, national pride, and a collective commitment to economic progress,” Dr. Tungwarara remarked.
In conclusion, he reiterated that Zimbabwe’s future depends on a shared vision, national unity, and a commitment to constructive engagement rather than destructive rhetoric. He urged all patriotic Zimbabweans to rally behind President Mnangagwa’s leadership and reject divisive elements whose actions serve only to derail the country’s economic transformation. The task at hand, he stressed, is far too important to be jeopardized by individuals who prioritize their personal grievances over the collective aspirations of the nation.
