The expected imminent return of Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga from China where he has been receiving medical attention for the past four months has reportedly increased tensions among ZANU PF members.
This happens when the ruling party is about to host its annual conference scheduled for Goromonzi from December 11 to 16.
An unnamed ZANU PF official who spoke to Zimbabwe Independent said that the conference was an opportunity for Chiwenga who is aware of a plot to replace him on health grounds intends to reassert his influence in the party. The source said:
The conference will be the ideal stage for Chiwenga to uplift his loyalists in the party, and show that his faction can still mount a significant challenge in the broader context of his political ambitions.
This would be important for him to do because there were real fears among his sympathisers that due to ill-health, he may not be able to push ahead with his agenda.
The ruling party is reportedly marred by factionalism with members divided between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Chiwenga.
There are also reports suggesting that there are some remnants of Generation 40 (G40) who are calling for the return of exiled G40 kingpins to take over the party.
More: Zimbabwe Independent