KEY POINTS
- Zanu PF’s push to extend President Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond 2028 has triggered incidents of harassment and intimidation.
- Political activists opposing the “ED2030” campaign face threats and violence from ruling party supporters in areas like Chiwundura and Kwekwe.
- The Zimbabwe Peace Project urges police to investigate violence and hold perpetrators accountable to protect victims and uphold the law.
An ambitious campaign by Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutional two-term limit is igniting violence and intimidation, according to a report by the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP).
Despite Mnangagwa publicly committing to stepping down at the end of his current term, some party officials are rallying support for the controversial “ED2030” campaign.
Violence reported in Midlands over ED2030 campaign
The ZPP report highlights multiple incidents of violence and harassment in the Midlands province, particularly in areas such as Chiwundura and Kwekwe.
According to New Zimbabwe, supporters of the ED2030 campaign are allegedly targeting individuals who oppose extending Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2028.
One incident involved Zanu PF activists Calvin Mhondiwa, Forbes Choto, and Adam Dhliwayo threatening a man linked to a group backing opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.
According to the report, the victim was warned of violent consequences for opposing the campaign, with activists promising similar treatment to other dissenters.
Constitutional changes needed for term extension
For Mnangagwa to remain in office past 2028, Zanu PF must amend Sections 91(2) and 382(7) of Zimbabwe’s constitution, which currently limits presidential terms to two.
At the party’s conference in Bulawayo earlier this year, officials declared that Mnangagwa is serving his final term, making the push for an extension even more contentious.
ZPP is urging the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to take immediate action to prevent violence and investigate the allegations against Zanu PF officials.
“The police must hold perpetrators accountable and provide protection for victims,” the organization stated.
