Zimbabwe’s Succession Wars: How Digital Propaganda and Paranoia Could Define a Nation’s Future

What if the next coup wasn’t announced by tanks in the streets, but by a viral YouTube video? In Zimbabwe, the escalating power struggle between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, General Constantino Chiwenga, is playing out not just in backroom deals, but in a volatile digital landscape where accusations of poisoning, coup plots, and corruption are amplified by social media and a new breed of political provocateurs. This isn’t simply a repeat of Zimbabwe’s turbulent past; it’s a dangerous evolution, and one that could reshape the nation’s future.

The Poisoning Allegations: A Playbook of Distrust

The recent claims surrounding the alleged poisoning of General Anselem Sanyatwe, former Head of the Defence Forces, are merely the latest iteration of a tactic deeply ingrained in Zimbabwean politics. From whispers during the Mugabe era to accusations leveled against Mnangagwa himself in 2017, poisoning allegations serve a potent purpose: to instill fear, discredit opponents, and fracture alliances. While Sanyatwe’s camp insists his trip to India was for pre-existing health concerns, the narrative pushed by supporters of Chiwenga paints a picture of ruthless power grabs orchestrated by Mnangagwa’s inner circle, specifically targeting key figures like Kudakwashe “Queen Bee” Tagwirei, a powerful financier with close ties to the President.

“Poisoning rumours are not about evidence,” one Harare-based analyst recently stated, echoing a sentiment widely held within the country. “They are about perception. And in Zimbabwean succession politics, perception is power.” This highlights a critical point: the truth often matters less than the narrative that takes hold. The allegations against Tagwirei, in particular, are strategically designed to portray him – and by extension, Mnangagwa – as untrustworthy and willing to eliminate rivals to consolidate control.

The Rise of the Digital Provocateur: Bombshell Geza and the Weaponization of YouTube

Enter Blessed Runesu Geza, better known as Bombshell Geza. This former war veteran, expelled from Zanu-PF, has reinvented himself as a digital firebrand, leveraging YouTube to openly back Chiwenga and denounce Mnangagwa as corrupt and illegitimate. Geza’s rants, laced with military nostalgia and thinly veiled calls for a coup, have transformed the succession fight into a public spectacle, reaching a wider audience than traditional political maneuvering ever could.

Geza’s influence shouldn’t be underestimated. His rhetoric resonates with Zimbabweans deeply skeptical of the electoral process and convinced that power is ultimately determined not by the ballot box, but by force. He taps into a long-held belief that the military holds the true keys to power, framing the army as the nation’s only salvation. This is a dangerous trend, as it normalizes the idea of military intervention and undermines civilian authority.

The Civilian Outsider: Tagwirei’s Ascent and the Military’s Discomfort

The growing influence of Kudakwashe Tagwirei adds another layer of complexity to the power struggle. His formal induction into Zanu-PF’s Central Committee in 2025 cemented his transition from a shadowy financial backer to an open political player. However, this ascent has unsettled Zanu-PF’s old guard – the liberation war veterans and military elite – who view him as a civilian outsider lacking the “liberation credentials” they believe are essential for leadership.

For Chiwenga, who has long harbored presidential ambitions, Tagwirei represents a direct challenge. He is perceived as a potential successor groomed by Mnangagwa, or at the very least, a kingmaker who could dictate the future of Zimbabwean politics. The poisoning allegations, therefore, serve a dual purpose: discrediting Tagwirei and driving a wedge between him and Mnangagwa, while simultaneously appealing to the military’s sense of entitlement and historical role.

Future Trends: The Digitalization of Political Warfare and the Erosion of Trust

The events unfolding in Zimbabwe are indicative of a broader trend: the increasing digitalization of political warfare. Social media platforms are no longer simply tools for communication; they are battlegrounds where narratives are shaped, disinformation is spread, and public opinion is manipulated. This trend is particularly pronounced in countries with weak institutions, limited media freedom, and a history of political instability.

Several key developments are likely to exacerbate this situation in the coming years:

• Increased Sophistication of Disinformation Campaigns: Expect to see more sophisticated use of deepfakes, bot networks, and targeted advertising to spread propaganda and influence public opinion.
• Proliferation of Citizen Journalism and Unverified Information: The rise of citizen journalism, while potentially empowering, also creates opportunities for the spread of unverified information and conspiracy theories.
• Growing Polarization and Erosion of Trust in Institutions: The constant barrage of conflicting narratives will further polarize society and erode trust in traditional institutions, including the government, the media, and the judiciary.
• The Weaponization of Social Media by Political Actors: Political actors will increasingly leverage social media to bypass traditional media outlets and directly engage with voters, often employing divisive rhetoric and manipulative tactics.

This trend isn’t limited to Zimbabwe. We’re seeing similar patterns emerge in countries across Africa, Asia, and even in established democracies. The challenge lies in finding ways to combat disinformation, promote media literacy, and strengthen institutions without infringing on freedom of expression. See our guide on Combating Disinformation in the Digital Age for more information.

Implications for Zimbabwe: A Fragile Future

The escalating tensions between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga, coupled with the rise of digital propaganda and the erosion of trust, pose a significant threat to Zimbabwe’s stability. The stakes are particularly high given Mnangagwa’s age (82) and the increasingly open discussion of succession. A contested succession could easily trigger a violent power struggle, potentially leading to a military coup or a prolonged period of political instability.

The international community must play a proactive role in supporting Zimbabwe’s democratic institutions and promoting peaceful conflict resolution. This includes providing assistance to civil society organizations, strengthening media freedom, and holding political actors accountable for their actions. Furthermore, understanding the role of external actors – particularly those with vested economic interests in Zimbabwe – is crucial. A recent report by the International Crisis Group details the complex geopolitical factors at play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What role does the military play in Zimbabwean politics?
A: The military has historically played a significant role in Zimbabwean politics, often intervening to resolve political crises. Its influence remains substantial, and its support is crucial for any leader seeking to maintain power.

Q: How is social media impacting Zimbabwean politics?
A: Social media is being used to spread propaganda, mobilize supporters, and undermine opponents. It has become a key battleground in the power struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga.

Q: What are the potential consequences of a contested succession?
A: A contested succession could lead to a military coup, political instability, and violence. It could also derail Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and exacerbate its humanitarian crisis.

Q: Is there any hope for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis?
A: A peaceful resolution is possible, but it will require dialogue, compromise, and a commitment to democratic principles from all stakeholders. International support will also be crucial.

The future of Zimbabwe hangs in the balance. The current trajectory – characterized by factionalism, paranoia, and the weaponization of information – is deeply concerning. Whether the nation can navigate these turbulent waters and emerge as a stable and democratic society remains to be seen. What are your predictions for Zimbabwe’s political future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!