Political tensions in Zimbabwe have reached a boiling point, with disgruntled war veterans announcing plans to impeach President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the grounds that he is “no longer mentally fit to lead the country.”
The announcement was made by war veteran Blessed Geza in a televised address on Wednesday night, signalling further escalation of tensions within the party.
“We have taken our struggle to another level. We are impeaching President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” Geza declared, accusing the president of suffering from vascular dementia, which he claimed has rendered him incapable of performing his duties.
According to Geza, the Zimbabwean leader, 82, has already been told by his doctors about his condition but he is being encouraged to hold on to power by those around him. He said the impeachment process will roll into motion when parliament sits on Thursday.
“The die has been cast and tomorrow we are setting this process in motion. We are impeaching Emerson on the grounds that he is no longer mentally fit to lead the country,” said Geza who was expelled from ZANU PF in February but claims he is still a member and that he represents several others disgruntled members and veterans of Zimbabwe’s 1970s war of independence. War veterans form a vital support base for ZANU PF.
He cited Section 97, Subsection 1 and D of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which allows for the removal of a president due to mental incapacity.
According to Geza, Mnangagwa’s deteriorating health has been confirmed by medical reports, and his doctors have advised him to rest.
However, Geza alleged that members of Mnangagwa’s inner circle, described as a “looting mafia,” are exploiting the President’s condition to further their own interests.
“Because of this vascular dementia, Mnangagwa is no longer aware of what is going on around him. His memory loss and forgetfulness are being used to make him sign documents that enable looting,” Geza claimed.
This development comes amid growing factionalism within ZANU PF, with divisions between Mnangagwa’s loyalists and those allegedly aligned with his deputy Constantino Chiwenga becoming increasingly pronounced.
Critics have accused Mnangagwa’s administration of corruption and mismanagement, fuelling calls for his removal.
JN/APA