Zimbabwe may be gearing up for its second army-driven removal of a sitting president in the past two-and-a-half years. Jonathan Moyo – a former cabinet minister for Zanu PF – has claimed that the wheels are in motion to remove Emmerson Mnangagwa from office through a military coup.

Will there be another army coup in Zimbabwe?

The one-time Higher and Tertiary Education leader has predicted that a “bloodless transition” – similar to what we saw in 2017 when Robert Mugabe was booted from his throne – will take place again this year:

Mutual engagement between the parties, which could be short and sweet or prolonged and nasty! — Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) March 7, 2020

Who could replace Emmerson Mnangagwa?

Spotlight Zimbabwe – who have a respectable track record after predicting the demise of Mugabe – also report that vice president Constantino Chiwenga is going to ‘take over the reins of government from Mnangagwa as a transitional president’, with an announcement set to be made on national television.

The likes of Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander Philip Valerio Sibanda, lands and agriculture minister Perence Shiri, and foreign affairs minister Sibusiso Busi Moyo are all being touted for key positions in the new regime. Former central bank governor Gideon Gono is reportedly being considered as another possible replacement for Mnangagwa, but Chiwenga remains the front-runner.

Zimbabwe latest news: Emmerson Mnangagwa could be replaced

The VP was instrumental in the previous leadership transition, using his army connections to usher Emmerson Mnangagwa into the leadership role. However, it now seems that Chiwenga wants the gig for himself, and is willing to make a tactical play for the highest power in the land.

Since assuming the presidency in 2017, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure has been underwhelming to say the least. Despite winning the 2018 Elections in Zimbabwe, the country has been blighted by soaring fuel prices and a massive rise in inflation. Millions of Zimbabweans face the threat of starvation over the next 12 months.

Swapping Mnangagwa for Chiwenga would still mean that Zanu PF retain power in the neighbouring nation. They’ve held onto control of Zimbabwe for the best part of 40 years.