Key Points
- Chamisa accuses Mnangagwa of plotting an unconstitutional term extension.
- Opposition activists urged to resist Zanu PF’s 2030 agenda.
- Chamisa hints at a political comeback to fight for democracy.
Former Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has blasted President Emmerson Mnangagwa for reportedly attempting to utilize a Zanu PF group to extend his stay in office beyond 2028.
Chamisa urges opposition to remain steadfast amid challenges
The constitutionally permitted second term of Mnangagwa, who was originally elected in 2018 after a military takeover in 2017, is scheduled to end in 2028. But according to reports, some Zanu PF members support his continuing leadership, arguing that the President needs more time to execute unfinished development initiatives.
During her remarks at Grandmore Hakata’s burial, a member of parliament for Glenview South, in Harare on Saturday, Chamisa made an oblique reference to Mnangagwa while denouncing weak governance for its crumbling infrastructure and subpar service delivery. He urged opposition activists to preserve the principles Hakata stands for in enhancing the welfare of the populace and labeled any move to prolong Mnangagwa’s term “shocking.”
A fervent admirer of Chamisa, Hakata gained notoriety after being detained for reportedly planning an automobile rally just before the 2023 elections. He was released following the election after winning his seat in parliament while incarcerated.
According to New Zimbabawe, Chamisa alluded to a political return when he resigned as president of the CCC, claiming potential Zanu PF infiltration. To the cheers of the mourners, Chamisa remarked, “He who says, ‘I am not going,’ is already gone.” The 47-year-old former lawyer who is now a lawmaker urged his followers to be on guard and oppose attempts to silence critics.
Former lawmaker and opposition activist Gift Ostallos Siziba echoed Chamisa’s views, calling on voters to oppose any attempts to prolong Mnangagwa’s tenure through a referendum or constitutional amendments. Siziba stated, “We are the majority, and we won’t accept the 2030 agenda,” highlighting Mnangagwa’s lack of a valid mandate to hold onto power.
Zanu PF factions rumoured to push for term extension
Even though Mnangagwa openly opposed the term extension at the 2022 National People’s Conference of Zanu PF in Bulawayo, there are suspicions that he is supporting factionalists who are pushing the so-called “2030 agenda.” Despite Hakata’s continued allegiance to the opposition, critics say Zanu PF is using US funds to curry favor with CCC members.
Siziba and Chamisa called on Zimbabweans to stand together against any constitutional amendments that would prolong Mnangagwa’s rule.
