HARARE A fierce cat-fight is seen unfolding within President Robert Mugabes Zanu (PF) following last weeks death of one of his deputies the sparks of which will definitely be felt far and wider than the faction-ridden party. The death of Zimbabwean Vice President Joseph Msika last Tuesday reignited the uncomfortable debate on the Zanu (PF) succession question.(Pictured: the latUncomfortable because it once again exposes the fissures within a party that has for long refused to acknowledge the need for diversity of views and the sanctity of the basic freedoms of expression and the right to choose leaders of ones choice.
Uncomfortable for Mugabe who thought he had everything nicely wrapped up, with his one united party firmly behind him five months before its elective conference scheduled for Harare in December.
Dear Leader
As has become tradition, all the Zanu (PF) structures have been falling over each other in their bid to endorse the Dear Leader as the sole candidate for the partys president and first secretary.
But analysts say Msikas death though it did not come as a surprise to most Zimbabweans since the 85-year-old politician had been sick for some time changes the whole complexion of the Zanu (PF) succession game.
It brings a new dimension to the succession battle, with the possibility of hitherto unknown aspirants from the former PF ZAPU coming to the fore to replace Msika.
University of Zimbabwe political scientist Eldred Masunungure said although Mugabes position appeared safe, the expected fight over Msikas replacement would shake the Zanu (PF) foundation at a time the party is at its weakest.
Unity Accord
The Unity Accord between Zanu (PF) and PF ZAPU of 1987 states that one of the two vice-presidents should come from PF ZAPU and this means the fight to succeed Msika will be among ex-ZAPU bigwigs, Masunungure observed.
Ex-ZAPU heavyweights reportedly eyeing the post are ZANU PF chairman John Nkomo, Mines Minister Obert Mpofu, Bulawayo Governor Cain Mathema and Zimbabwe ambassador to South Africa Simon Khaya Moyo.
Other ex-ZAPU bigwigs Thenjiwe Lisabe and Senate deputy president Naison Ndlovu are seen opting out of the race because of age.
Masunungure said if Nkomo replaces Msika, the Zanu (PF) chairmanship would become vacant, creating another source of infighting, especially from the two dominant factions in Zanu (PF).
Dominant factions
Retired army general Solomon Mujuru allegedly leads a faction pushing for his wife Joice to replace Mugabe, while another camp reportedly headed by defence minister Emmerson Mnangagwa wants him to take over from the octogenarian president.
Another political scientist Michael Mhike said Msikas death may ignite calls for a wholesome leadership renewal at the forthcoming Zanu (PF) conference given Mugabes advanced age and unconfirmed reports that his health is failing.
Some may call for a new presidium that excludes Mugabe and this would ignite serious infighting in the party, Mhike explained.
The analysts also warned that Msikas death and the attendant cat-fight may further derail efforts to rebuild Zimbabwes economy.
Spill over
The Zanu (PF) infighting could spill over to the running of the coalition government, forcing delays in the implementation of agreed programmes and projects as the (partys two) factions try to out-manoeuvre one another, said an analyst with a Harare-based financial services group.
Similar delays have already been experienced since Mugabe formed a coalition government with former arch-rival Morgan Tsvangirai in February.
Hardliners linked to the Mnangagwa factions have sought to derail the unity government which they believe would favour the Mujuru wing.
A delay in the implementation of government programmes would deepen Zimbabwes economic crisis at a time the country is trying to court the international community.
The country requires at least US$8.3 billion in aid to revive its economy and restore collapsed health and education sectors.
Post published in: News