**Resurgence of Tensions in Zimbabwe's Leadership Landscape**

Calls for President Mnangagwa to resign raise questions about succession and public unrest as tensions brew within Zimbabwe's political elite.

Zimbabwe is witnessing a resurgence of internal conflicts within the ruling Zanu-PF party, ignited by the provocative statements of Blessing “Bombshell” Geza, a revered war veteran. His vocal dissent against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has led to a significant upheaval within party ranks, triggering fears of potential political instability reminiscent of past military interventions.

The climax of this internal strife was marked by a long convoy of armored tanks traversing Harare, which briefly stirred memories of past coups in the country. However, government spokesperson Nick Mangwana reassured citizens that the military presence was merely part of a scheduled equipment test, dispelling immediate fears of a coup d’état.

Geza's criticism focused on proposed changes within the party that would allow Mnangagwa to pursue a third term, a move that visibly irritated many within the party and prompted the once-loyal veteran to take a stand against the president. In various press conferences, often filled with expletives, Geza expressed regret for having supported Mnangagwa’s rise to power and condemned the growing corruption associated with the current regime.

Following his outspoken remarks, Zanu-PF expelled Geza, who subsequently went into hiding. He's now wanted by authorities on multiple charges, including undermining presidential authority. His situation has also ensnared journalists, like Blessed Mhlanga, who similarly faced legal repercussions for engaging in interviews with Geza.

As the party continues to fracture, analysts note that the general public appears increasingly disillusioned, with many citizens showing little interest in the political disputes swirling around national leadership. Political experts, including Takura Zhangazha, highlighted that the fervor for collective political action has waned compared to the past, suggesting a transformation in public sentiment that does not favor mobilization around internal party squabbles.

Moreover, the president's ambitions for an extended tenure have drawn criticism from various sectors, including Zimbabwe’s Catholic Bishops Conference, who suggest such debates detract from more pressing issues like rampant unemployment and economic decline. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba dismissed their concerns, asserting that discussions around succession and the 2030 agenda were settled matters.

Despite the fragmented landscape, Bombshell’s declarations have incited punitive measures within Zanu-PF. However, the general populace's apathy toward party politics suggests a stark divergence from the past, where military coups and political uprisings galvanized public support and action.

As Zimbabwe grapples with deteriorating economic conditions, opposition leaders continue to echo sentiments that highlight the social struggles facing ordinary citizens, further intensifying the call for government accountability. Despite the looming elections, Bombshell remains in hiding, and the political discourse regarding succession is expected to persist, complicating Zimbabwe's path forward.