Eddie Cross, the biographer of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has made a significant statement regarding the potential succession plan in Zimbabwe. In an interview on HSTV’s #FreeTalk program, Cross dismissed the idea of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga taking over as President if Mnangagwa steps down and does not seek a third term.
Cross’s remarks shed light on the political dynamics within Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF, and the expectations surrounding the leadership transition. He expressed a belief that Chiwenga had accepted that he would not ascend to the presidency and had come to terms with this reality.
This statement from Cross is noteworthy given the speculation and discussions surrounding the future leadership of Zimbabwe. It provides insights into the internal deliberations and potential power shifts within the country’s political landscape.
The interview with Eddie Cross on HSTV’s #FreeTalk program, where he made these comments, is set to be broadcast today, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the perspectives and analyses shaping Zimbabwe’s political discourse.
“Chiwenga is part of the past and he has gone as far as he can go. He will retire along with Emmerson. Emmerson keeps him there because he needs the constituency.”
Speculation has arisen regarding President Mnangagwa’s desire to extend his term beyond 2028. Mnangagwa, who assumed office following a 2017 coup that ousted former ZANU-PF party leader Robert Mugabe, has not publicly stated his official stance on the matter. However, he has previously mentioned his intention to remain in charge of the country’s affairs until 2030.
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During Youth Day celebrations in February this year, ZANU-PF’s Masvingo province seemingly revealed Mnangagwa’s bid for a third term through a slogan. The slogan “2030 VaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo” (Mnangagwa will still be in power in 2023) has since been adopted at ZANU-PF events, sparking controversy among his detractors.
Having spent considerable time with Mnangagwa while writing his book, Cross expressed certainty that the President has no intention of running for a third term.
“He is going to retire in 2028 and in Zanu itself, there is a generational change taking place,” he said.
“I talk to the younger generation in Zanu PF, there are some exciting guys, really exciting guys. Look Emmerson Jnr won’t take over, they have to win the people, they have to win the party and I think that’s tough.
“One thing I am absolutely sure of is that my generation and that includes Emmerson and all the others, I am 83, has failed Zimbabwe. We failed Rhodesia and the next generation must come into play,” he said.
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