Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s push for a third term has triggered a succession battle that could lead to another coup in the beleaguered South African nation.
Zimbabwe’s constitution allows a maximum of two terms for a President, and Mnangagwa is already on his second stint.
The President's attempt to defy the constitution has led to protests within the ruling party, ZANU-PF, with calls for Mnangagwa to resign or be forced out of office.
President Mnangagwa has been facing criticism from Zimbabweans having seen the country bogged down by various political crises that have resulted in lack of jobs, economic stagnation, along with hyperinflation among the key issues.
But the recent public dissent from within his own party is rare and unprecedented. On Monday, demonstrators took to the streets in protests called by a top ZANU-PF member. The protesters were forcefully dispersed with tear gas, with many arrested.
Preempting a possible coup, Mnangagwa has ordered a spate of dismissals including that of the commander of the presidential guard and head of the intelligence service.
The recent crisis is a painful reminder of the fall of the late Robert Mugabe, who held onto power for 37 years before being deposed in a coup in 2017. Ironically, Mugabe's right-hand man Mnangagwa ousted him with the help of the military.
8 years later, history seems to be repeating itself.
