In a press statement dated March 26, 2025, the United African National Council (UANC), expressed profound concern over the escalating factional conflicts within Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF.
The UANC, a nationalist party with a storied history in the nation’s liberation struggle, warned that these internal disputes threaten to further erode the country’s already diminishing freedoms.
“It is with a heavy heart that as a nationalist party that fought in the armed struggle and played a very big role in bringing democracy to our country that we witness it being torn apart by people who now believe they are the only ones who brought freedom to the country,” Mapuranga stated.
The statement highlighted the pervasive atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among Zimbabweans, attributing it to the ongoing political instability, Mapuranga emphasized, as he highlighted that, “Zimbabweans are now living in fear and uncertain to what every next day will bring.”
Drawing parallels to historical events, the UANC urged the warring factions within ZANU-PF to emulate the conciliatory approach of their late founding father, Bishop Abel Muzorewa. “Despite winning elections in 1979, [he] listened to the Patriotic Front and agreed for a meeting at Lancaster which later led to a draft constitution and a one man one vote system,” Mapuranga noted.
In light of the current crisis, the UANC called upon the incumbent ZANU-PF leader to demonstrate boldness and preserve his dignity by convening an all-political-parties conference aimed at forming a Transitional Government. “This will turn him to a hero and salvage some dignity,” Mapuranga asserted.
Addressing the opposing faction within ZANU-PF, the UANC cautioned against merely replacing the current leader with another party member, emphasizing that such actions would perpetuate the existing cycle of political turmoil. “Citizens are not going to join in to help them as a Zanu faction but as our great war veterans,” Mapuranga warned.
The UANC’s position is that the persistent factionalism, reminiscent of the final days of former President Robert Mugabe’s rule, necessitates an inclusive conference involving all political parties.
“The only way out is an all political parties conference, which will lead to a Transitional Authority/Government,” Mapuranga concluded.
This call for unity and dialogue comes at a time when Zimbabwe is grappling with intensified political tensions. Recent developments include the dismissal of a top army general by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a move interpreted by analysts as an attempt to consolidate power amid fears of a potential coup by former allies.
Additionally, veterans of the country’s war of independence have called for nationwide protests on March 31, demanding President Mnangagwa’s resignation due to the worsening economic crisis and allegations of attempts to extend his tenure beyond 2028.