Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has canceled his planned trip to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this Friday, amid reports of distrust among his close associates.
Mnangagwa was set to join other world leaders in New York for the annual event, which he has consistently attended. Security personnel who had already traveled to prepare for the visit have reportedly been called back.
This cancellation follows a helicopter crash at Masvingo Airport last weekend under suspicious circumstances, which Mnangagwa was supposed to be on board. This incident has raised concerns.
On Friday, presidential spokesman George Charamba announced that Mnangagwa would not attend the UNGA due to a “tight schedule.” He noted that Foreign Affairs Minister Fredrick Shava would deliver a statement on the president’s behalf.
“In light of a dense programme in the last quarter of 2024, His Excellency the President, Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa will not attend this year’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA. His statement will be delivered by Hon. F.M. Shava, who is already in New York for the Assembly,” Charamba stated.
Tensions within the government are escalating as one faction supports Mnangagwa’s extended leadership to fulfill his Vision 2030 initiatives. The 82-year-old president is approaching the end of his two constitutionally allowed terms in 2028.
Meanwhile, another faction, associated with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, is reportedly unhappy with the possibility of Mnangagwa extending his tenure, fueling conspiracy theories that some may want to eliminate him.