Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing the gravest challenge to his power since seizing office almost eight years ago, as his own party calls for mass demonstrations aimed at ousting him. The economic crisis in Zimbabwe and accusations of corruption have pushed this southern African nation, already reeling from years of political and economic instability, to the brink of another potential crisis. Meanwhile, the nation struggles with issues like hyperinflation, a significant portion of the workforce operating in the informal sector amid persistent poverty, and a tarnished international standing due to human rights abuses, corruption, and disputed elections. The United States has imposed sanctions on members of the ruling elite, including Mnangagwa. Despite promising democratic and economic reforms after helping to overthrow the long-time autocrat Robert Mugabe in 2017, Mnangagwa has failed to leverage Zimbabwe’s rich mineral resources for an economic boom. Mnangagwa has fired the army chief and other officials, moves seen as efforts to protect him from a military takeover. Blessed Geza, a former high-ranking ZANU-PF member and liberation war veteran, has emerged as a leader of the opposition. He and his faction face accusations of treason for criticizing Mnangagwa’s alleged misuse of power for personal enrichment. Despite these political tensions, daily life in Zimbabwe continues, with people going about their routines despite fears of violence and economic hardship. The protests may be more about a struggle for power within the ruling party rather than the dire issues faced by the populace, mirroring the conflicts seen during Mugabe’s era.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/world/africa/zimbabwe-demonstrations-mnangagwa.html