Zimbabwe is once again watching the same dirty game play out in Zanu PF. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is not thinking about the people. He is thinking about himself, his power, and his survival. From 13 to 18 October in Mutare, Zanu PF will hold its annual conference. But behind the speeches and the flags, there is only one question: how can Mnangagwa stay in control beyond 2028 when the constitution says his time will be up?

He has three choices. First, to try his 2030 political plan through a referendum or even two referendums. But he knows the people could reject it. Second, to use parliament to push back the 2028 elections and stay longer, which many lawyers call a constitutional coup. Third, to give up and leave after 2028. Everyone knows Mnangagwa is not ready to give up power.

He says in public that he will not go past 2028 because he is a “constitutionalist.” But last year in Bulawayo, he led Zanu PF to pass a resolution to allow him to stay. This is the same man who came to power after promising Zimbabwe would be different from Mugabe’s time. It is now the same story.

One big reason he wants to stay is to block his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga. Chiwenga was his partner in the 2017 coup. Without Chiwenga, Mnangagwa would not be president today. But politics has no loyalty. Mnangagwa fears that if Chiwenga takes over, he will not protect him or his family. He is even scared Chiwenga could take their money and have them arrested for corruption.

Ethnic politics is also at play. Mnangagwa and his group do not want another Zezuru leader after Mugabe. In Zimbabwe, ethnicity often decides who controls power and resources, and the people are left fighting each other while the leaders loot together.

In the middle of this fight is businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei. He says he has no interest in being president, but his friends say he does and believes money can buy him the job. Chiwenga has already stopped him from joining the Zanu PF Central Committee. Zanu PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa also says he has no interest, but his moves suggest otherwise.

Then there is General Philip Valerio Sibanda, the army boss. Mnangagwa tried to put him in the politburo in December 2023, but was blocked. This was meant to prepare him as a successor. Sibanda is close to Mnangagwa, but many in Zanu PF say he cannot beat Chiwenga, who is ready to fight with everything he has to become president.

This is the reality of Zanu PF politics. It is not about policies. It is not about the economy. It is not about fixing hospitals or creating jobs. It is about who can hold the chair and control the money, the police, and the army. While they fight for power, Zimbabwe sinks deeper into poverty.

Since the coup in 2017, Zanu PF has been tearing itself apart over succession. The promises of a new Zimbabwe were lies. Mugabe left the country in ruins. Mnangagwa and his allies have made things worse. Now they are fighting each other like hungry hyenas over the same dead carcass — and that carcass is our country.

Zimbabweans must see through this game. The future will not change if we leave our fate in the hands of Zanu PF. This power war is proof. It is time for real change, not just a new face wearing the same dirty jacket.