“President Emmerson Mnangagwa has dismissed Christopher Mutsvangwa, his outspoken ally and Minister of Veterans of the Struggle Affairs, without providing a reason. This is not the first time Mutsvangwa has been sacked from a government position. In 2018, he was removed as Mnangagwa’s special adviser, and in 2016, former president Robert Mugabe fired him as War Veterans minister” (AfricanVoices24, 03.02.2024).
Christopher Mutsvangwa was fired as the Minister of Veterans and Liberations Struggles Affairs on the 3rd of February 2024. That came out of nowhere and sent some shockwaves in the political sphere in Harare.
This is a loyalist of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a man who was vital in the takeover of the crocodile and someone who seemed untouchable. Now his dismissed and axed in a humiliating fashion.
Now it is reported that Mutsvangwa has fled into exile after the announced axing of his office. He has now fled the nation and there is now speculation of his next move.
We know ED or Mnangagwa fled the nation when he was denounced and sacked before returning into prominence. That’s how Mnangagwa went into power and the second republic came into effect.
What is unique is that Mutsvangwa was the said “brains” behind the Lacoste. The ones that went ahead and forged the takeover over the G-40. These fractions fought over the influence in ZANU-PF. Now that Mnangagwa and his allies is getting rid of Mutsvangwa. They are risking waves against it or they think they are rock solid in office.
At this point, maybe the President doesn’t trust his former ally. They are making him look like a fool and suddenly dropping reports of internal letters of distrust of other minister(s) or even that he was rowdy at cabinet meetings. Therefore, Mutsvangwa is now a scapegoat, which they are claiming planning to plot against Mnangagwa.
We can just await and see if this will have consequences for his wife, which is also a minister in the cabinet. Secondly, if he will be dismissed as the spokesperson for the ZANU-PF party as well. Especially, if the rumours of exile and plans to plot to oust Mnangagwa. Then you know the bedroom politics will further escalate.
Certainly, Mutsvangwa who helped Mnangagwa gain power. He is indebted to Christopher and Monica. Even if Mutsvangwa has become a liability to the President. The President might have to take this further. As the role of the fallen minister is still central in the party.
Mutsvangwa is a Politburo member and can also access the Central Committee meetings. Certainly, as Spokesperson he has influence still. While he hasn’t launched an attack or acted swiftly after being fired. We can wonder if there will be an aftermath now. If not… his silent to shield his wife.
At this point, we cannot know… and that’s done deliberately too. There is rumours and speculations going each way. It is a fallout and the President did this for a reason. Even if it cost him and he has lost an ally in doing so. While we can wonder why his wife is still around. Also, why there haven’t been further sackings or loss of offices. Maybe that is soften the blow and await another round of possible sackings from the President. We shouldn’t be shocked by that either. That’s if the President doesn’t want his former ally around.
There is rumours and talks that Mutsvangwa wanted to become a Vice-President. However, with the sacking of the ministerial position…. It is most likely never happening under Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa is now showing a sign of the tides is turning. He can get rid of the ones who helped him into power. That’s how safe he feels and he doesn’t fear them. This is a sign that times are changing and fast. Mnangagwa can act ruthless and without consideration get rid of the ones who was at his aide. When he can do that. Then anyone can be touched and suddenly be deemed useless.
That’s the message Mnangagwa is sending. When he can get rid of Mutsvangwa so suddenly. Peace.
MinBane 