ZANU-PF moves to extend President Mnangagwa’s rule to 2030

CM

Celeste Martin

21 October 2025 | 8:35

The initiative is reportedly deepening rifts within the 83-year-old's party.

ZANU-PF moves to extend President Mnangagwa’s rule to 2030

FILE: President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa at the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on 19 June 2024. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News

Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party has endorsed a plan to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years, a move that could keep the 83-year-old leader in power until 2030.

The proposal, approved at the party’s annual conference in Mutare, directs the government to begin drafting constitutional amendments, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi announced over the weekend.

Under the current Constitution, Mnangagwa must step down in 2028 after serving two elected terms. 

The initiative has reportedly deepened rifts within ZANU-PF.

"Allies of the Vice President Constantino Chiwenga are pushing back, calling the move unconstitutional – sparking tension and talk of a succession battle within the ruling party. Mnangagwa accused Chiwenga of incitement and treason after Chiwenga presented a dossier alleging corruption in ZANU-PF. Mnangagwa has dismissed it as fundamentally flawed and ignorant of party procedures," says journalist Kiri Rupiah.

To listen to Rupiah's conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below:

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