By Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa this Friday cancelled his scheduled trip to the United States of America for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) amid reports of mistrust among his trusted lieutenants.
Mnangagwa was scheduled to be among world leaders in New York for the annual ritual that the octogenarian Zanu PF leader has always attended.
Advance security personnel that had travelled has reportedly been recalled.
Cancellation of the trip comes after Mnangagwa’s helicopter crashed at Masvingo Airport last weekend under suspicious circumstances. He was supposed to be on the flight, an incident which has raised eyebrows.
This Friday, presidential spokesman, George Charamba, was diplomatic and announced that Mnangagwa will not attend the UNGA “as a result of a tight schedule.”
He added that Foreign Affairs Minister, Fredrick Shava, will deliver an address on his 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, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade who is already in New York for the Assembly,” said Charamba.
Tensions are high in government as Mnangagwa’s faction is pushing for his prolonged incumbency ostensibly inorder for him to complete programmes under his Vision 2030. The 82-year-old President is coming to the end of constitutionally stipulated two terms in 2028.
Another faction aligned to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is reportedly miffed by prospects of Mnangagwa extending his stay at State House, a development that is raising conspiracy theories that his detractors want to eliminate him.
