President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially begun a month-long leave of absence, temporarily transferring executive authority to Zimbabwe’s two vice presidents under a rotational acting presidency — a move that has reignited debate over succession within the ruling Zanu-PF party.
Mnangagwa commenced his leave on December 23. Vice President Kembo Mohadi is serving as acting president until the end of December, after which Vice President Constantino Chiwenga will assume the role from January 1 to January 13. Mohadi will then resume acting duties until Mnangagwa returns in early February 2026.
The rotation has drawn significant political scrutiny, particularly the brief period allocated to Chiwenga, who is widely viewed as a leading contender to succeed Mnangagwa when his constitutionally mandated term expires in 2026.
Political analysts suggest the arrangement reflects delicate power-balancing within Zanu-PF, which remains split between factions aligned with Chiwenga and those advocating for the continuation of Mnangagwa’s leadership beyond his current term.
In October 2025, Zanu-PF adopted a resolution initiating steps that could allow Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030, arguing that an extension would enable him to complete the objectives outlined in the government’s Vision 2030 economic development plan.
As the vice presidents alternately occupy the acting presidency, observers say the period will be closely monitored for indications of Zimbabwe’s political trajectory beyond 2026.
