Tinotenda Hove- President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has skipped the ongoing United Nations General Assembly in New York, officially citing “pressing commitments” at home. However, observers say the real reason lies in mounting political tension within Zanu PF and fears of persecution of his allies by his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

One political analyst noted, “The statement about pressing commitments is a cover. The truth is Mnangagwa is under pressure. There is deep mistrust within Zanu PF, and he is wary of leaving the ground open for Chiwenga while he is away.”

Another observer argued that Mnangagwa’s absence reflects growing instability in the ruling party. “The factional battles are intensifying. He fears that while he is in New York, his loyalists could be politically targeted and sidelined by Chiwenga’s camp,” the analyst said.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF activist Levison Chambati publicly defended Mnangagwa’s decision. “President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is right to skip the UN General Assembly and focus on urgent national work at home. These gatherings are mostly ceremonial, with little attention given to Africa’s voice,” Chambati wrote. He further added, “Until Africa secures a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, our nations should consider sending senior officials instead of wasting resources on symbolic attendance. It’s time Africa shows the world its dissatisfaction with this unequal setup.”

Despite Chambati’s defense, questions remain about whether the president’s absence is truly about diplomatic protest or whether it reveals fractures at the heart of Zanu PF. As one analyst summed it up, “This is less about the UN and more about survival in Harare’s corridors of power.”