Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere has responded to criticism from a group of war veterans who opposed ZANU PF’s efforts to amend the Constitution to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to seek a third term.
During a press conference in Harare on January 26, war veteran and ZANU PF central committee member Blessed Runesu Geza, along with five other veterans, demanded that Mnangagwa step down, arguing that he was “not fit to lead the country.” The group also rejected any proposed constitutional amendments and disputed Mnangagwa’s claim that he did not intend to remain in power past 2028.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Muswere accused Geza of hypocrisy, highlighting that he had previously been a strong supporter of ZANU PF’s Resolution Number 1 from the 21st National People’s Conference, which endorsed the President remaining in office until 2030. Muswere remarked:
We are concerned about the extent to which these individuals, while claiming to be true members of the ruling party and the War Veterans movement, are not engaging with the proper channels to voice their grievances.
It is unfortunate that they are now playing into negative narratives about the President for reasons known only to them.
What is particularly surprising is that Cde Geza, a key advocate for the Resolution Number 1 at the 21st National People’s Conference, which called for the President to remain in power until 2030, is now opposing what he helped to establish. His recent actions appear to be driven by personal frustration following a loss in the 2018 primary elections, which has led him to misrepresent the President’s leadership.
Muswere dismissed the press conference held by the veterans as a “charade,” accusing them of ingratitude toward the government’s support for war veterans. He concluded:
The contradictions and lack of honesty displayed by these individuals are disappointing, especially coming from senior citizens and supposed genuine war veterans.
This spectacle is deeply disappointing, considering the significant economic transformation that Zimbabwe has experienced under the leadership of President Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
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