Mnangagwa’s Base Emboldened, Cheering on Human Rights Abuses, A Cautionary Tale of Manipulation and Deception

A Cautionary Tale of Manipulation and Deception…

By Shingirai Vambe

In a stark warning, Exiled Former Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality, Walter Mzembi has cautioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe that his support base is being skillfully manipulated into endorsing human rights abuses, eerily echoing the tactics employed during Robert Mugabe’s regime. Mzembi recounts how Mugabe was systematically fed briefings designed to enrage him, fueling his incendiary rhetoric and crackdown on civil society, ultimately leading to his downfall.

This comes at a time when factional fights within the governing party take the stage as Mnangagwa is expected to step down after completing his second term, regardless of the endorsement from the country’s provinces for him to continue as the ZANU PF first Secretary until 2030.

Former Minister Mzembi argues that Mnangagwa is being set up to fail by his own advisors, who are orchestrating a campaign of repression and manipulation. They are creating an environment where the President sees enemies among his own people, leading to arrests, torture, and human rights violations. This, in turn, sparks international condemnation, isolating Mnangagwa and undermining his leadership.

The warning came at a time the country is expected to host the SADC Summit, which has galloped millions of dollars, and seen the unrest of citizens and the security forces. Reports of arrests and torture have circulated the international media with members state already proposing a move to another venue for the Summit.

Zimbabwe’s Judiciary has been described as captured and not independent, isolating 78 opposition members behind bars, arresting and denying bail to civic society members and politicians. This has resulted Zimbabwe to be labeled a human rights abuser.

Mzembi urges Mnangagwa to wake up and recognize the conspiracy unfolding around him. They warn that his support base, emboldened by his rhetoric, will eventually turn against him, just as they did with Mugabe, who was endorsed by the country’s 10 provinces and the next day the very same where in the streets shouting his ouster.

He cautions that the same forces that propelled Mugabe’s descent into tyranny are now manipulating Mnangagwa, using him to further their own agendas.

The writer emphasizes that the consequences of this manipulation will be severe, leading to further isolation, economic decline, and human suffering. he implored Mnangagwa to break free from the shackles of manipulation and take control of his presidency, prioritizing the welfare of his people and the principles of human rights.

In a poignant conclusion, Mzembi said, “Stop this operation against your people, it’s loaded with conspiracy.” heed the lessons of history and avoid the pitfalls that led to Mugabe’s downfall, warning that the fate of Zimbabwe hangs in the balance.