Moyo Joins Mnangagwa In Power Struggle

If you were to study Zimbabwean history from independence, you will see the name Mnangagwa pop up often. And, invariably, whenever it does, it has something to do with divisiveness, violence or threats.

He wants to be considered seriously as a contender for Mugabe's throne - and is prepared to do just about anything to beat off rival bids.

"Simmering tensions and power struggles in ZANU PF have resurfaced amid reports that members of the Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa's faction met in Gweru during the Christmas holiday to carry out plans to launch a new political party, a source said.

As ZANU PF factions jostle for power, there is growing fear that Mugabe's departure will be worse than his presidency.

Mnangagwa was outflanked by a rival faction in the battle to succeed veteran Robert Mugabe in ZANU PF.

The, 63 year old, is a sly politician who has long been touted by the media and his political allies as frontrunner to replace Mugabe as first secretary of ZANU PF, but his star has dimmed since 2004 when he was accused of plotting against his boss."

Mnangagwa's activities are very similar to Mugabe's, in as much as he is not afraid to use muscle, weapons and devious tactics to achieve his goals.

Mnangagwa is also cited as one of the most wealthy men in Zimbabwe - thanks to his connections during the war in the Congo which the Zimbabwean army participated - and during which Mnangagwa was 'paid' handsomely with diamonds...

"Zimbabwean troops intervened in the DR Congo conflict on the side of the government and, like other countries, it was accused of using the conflict to loot some of its rich natural resources, such as diamonds, gold and other minerals.

But despite his money-raising role, Mr Mnangagwa, a lawyer who grew up in Zambia, is not well-loved by the rank and file of his own party.

One veteran of Zimbabwe's war of independence, who worked with him for many years, puts it simply: "He's a very cruel man, very cruel."

Another ZANU PF official poses an interesting question when asked about Mr Mnangagwa's prospects: "You think Mugabe is bad but have you thought that whoever comes after him could be even worse?"

ZANU PF have the ability to make a little money and a lot of intimidation go a very long way.

And when it comes to Mnanagagwa, he has had a very good teacher - in the person of Robert Mugabe.

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"On Christmas day, a well attended secret steering committee meeting at a farm just outside the city of Gweru was organised by former Information Minister, Member of Parliament for Tsholotsho Professor Jonathan Moyo and the meeting was chaired by former Midlands ZANU PF Chairman July Moyo, sources said.

Also in attendance, was former ZANU PF chairman for Manicaland, Mike Madiro, and Member of Parliament for Mutare South, Fred Kanzama both representing Manicaland province.

Minister of Mines Obert Mpofu came late after attending to a family bereavement in Bulawayo."

I find it particularly interesting that the meeting should be chaired by Jonathan Moyo, a ZANU PF member who has only just come back to the fold, having been thrown out by Mugabe following the Tsholotsho debacle.

("Much philanthropy, including scholarship programs and support for sport over many years, has earned Moyo a place in Tsholotsho, his family area. This philanthropy increased during the days leading up to the March 2005 parliamentary election, a fact that critics feel made his win for the parliamentary seat in the area inevitable.

In the lead up to the 2004 party meeting, he held an unofficial meeting in Tsholotsho, of ZANU PF political heavyweights including six provincial party chairmen, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa, and a militant war veterans' leader, Joseph Chinotimba. It was aimed at contesting one of the two vice-presidential seats after the recent death of Simon Muzenda on September 20, 2003, seen as a stepping stone to the presidency in light of Mugabe's presumed retirement in 2008.

He was heavily censured at the later ZANU PF meeting, with other attendees. Joyce Mujuru won the vice-presidency at the party meeting.

The subsequent decision to set aside the Tsholotsho seat in the 2005 parliamentary election for female candidates was widely interpreted as punishing those who organised the unauthorised meeting, and in particular Moyo.

In February 2005 Moyo registered to run as an independent for the seat. Doing so earned the wrath of Mugabe, who expelled him from the party and the cabinet. He won the seat in the elections, held on March 31.")

Whatever the intentions of aspiring hopefuls, Mugabe has got his hands full with not only knocking down any arrogance by senior members and their eagerness to prove themselves loyal and capable, but he also has to somehow keep the party together.

"We are also told that Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa is also involved but only playing a low profile for fear of Robert Mugabe’s reprisal.

The meeting took 6 hours of intense deliberations with Jonathan Moyo taking the opportunity to appraise his colleagues about the detailed plans based on his scientific research and on reflections of what had taken place at the congress and the new game plan.

The Defence Minister, Emmerson Mnangagwa himself did not attend, amid reports that he is now under 24 hour survillance by members of the CIO's close security."

Perhaps there is some wisdom in the saying, "Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer."

Robb WJ Ellis

The Bearded Man