HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed that he will step down at the end of his second term in 2028, amid growing speculation that some elements within ZANU PF are pushing for a constitutional amendment to extend his stay in power.
Speaking at a meeting with media editors on Monday, President Mnangagwa dismissed suggestions that he intends to remain in office beyond the constitutional limit.
“I will serve my two terms and retire. We have people in ZANU PF who themselves are not ZANU PF,” Mnangagwa said, in what appeared to be a veiled criticism of individuals allegedly seeking to prolong his rule.
The remarks come against the backdrop of increasing debate within ruling party circles about leadership succession. Some ZANU PF officials have reportedly been lobbying for an amendment to the Constitution to allow the President to run for a third term, citing his continued leadership as crucial for stability and economic recovery.
However, President Mnangagwa’s latest comments suggest he is distancing himself from such maneuvers, setting the stage for an intense succession battle in the ruling party as the 2028 elections approach.
President Mnangagwa, 82, first assumed office in 2017. He won his first full term in 2018 and was re-elected in 2023 for what the Constitution stipulates is his final five-year term.
