Presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara says the current attack on President Emmerson Mnangagwa by war veterans will negatively impact on the economy and undermine efforts to lure investments.
Tungwarara’s remarks made Wednesday come after a section of war veterans led by Blessed Geza rattled the governing Zanu PF party by calling for Mnangagwa to step down for alleged constitutional violations and failing to rein in corruption.
It also comes amid a pushback in the governing party against plans to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure in office by two years.
Mnangagwa has distanced himself from attempts by his loyalists pushing for his tenure to be extended by two years after his constitutionally-mandated two terms end in 2028.
In a statement, Tungwarara, who is a special presidential investment adviser to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said Geza's sentiments have created confusion among investors and an atmosphere of uncertainty that could have far-reaching consequences on the country’s ability to attract domestic and foreign investments.
“Investors require stability, clarity and confidence in a country’s leadership. Any reckless political manoeuvring that casts doubt on the leadership’s ability to govern effectively only works to drive potential investors away, further aggravating economic challenges. It is, therefore, imperative that responsible citizens safeguard Zimbabwe’s reputation rather than tarnish it for personal or factional gains,” Tungwarara said.
He said the country has been on a positive development trajectory, gradually gaining recognition and trust on the global stage until “individuals with self-serving motives” woke up and launch an “onslaught against the leadership, not considering the wider implications of their actions”.
“A smear campaign, by its very nature, destabilises confidence, and when investor confidence is lost, the ordinary citizen bears the brunt of the economic consequences."
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Tungwarara said any “well-meaning Zimbabwean should prioritise national development and align themselves with Mnangagwa’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030”.
He said countries such as the UAE have enacted “stringent laws to prevent individuals from engaging in smear campaigns that seek to tarnish the image of the Head of State”.
“Perhaps this explains why the UAE has managed to maintain its status as a global economic powerhouse. It is a system built on discipline, national pride and a collective commitment to economic progress,” Tungwarara said.
