Zimbabwe’s governing party moves to extend Mnangagwa presidency to 2030

Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF has announced that it will begin a process to extend President Mnangagwa’s two-year rule, which could allow him to hold office until 2030.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and ZANU-PF legal secretary Ziyambi Ziyambi instructed the government to begin drafting legislation to amend the Constitution at the movement’s annual conference in the eastern city of Mutare on Saturday.

After serving two elected terms, Mnangagwa, 83, must resign from office in 2028. According to legal experts, any change would require a constitutional amendment and possibly referendums.

After the motion was passed, delegates erupted in applause, strengthening ZANU-PF’s securitized rule pattern since 1980. Although some insiders warn that a legal challenge would be likely, the party has significant influence in parliament.

Mnangagwa has previously asserted that he has no desire to hold onto power because he is a “constitutionalist.” However, rivals within the party, who are aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, are openly opposed to an extension, while loyalists have secretly pushed for a prolonged stay since last year’s contentious election.

Thousands of viewers have watched Blessed Geza, a veteran liberation fighter and Chiwenga ally, use YouTube livestreams to condemn the push. In Harare and other cities, heavy police forces have been deploying, so calls for widespread protests have not gotten much traction.

In his closing remarks at the conference, the president made no mention of the extension. Mnangagwa’s request for an extension of the term and the protests have not been addressed by Chiwenga.

Economic crisis in crisis

Following Robert Mugabe’s overthrow, Mnangagwa assumed control of the country in 2017 amid promises of democratic and economic reforms.

Hyperinflation, widespread unemployment, and corruption allegations have caused a severe economic collapse under the leadership of Mnangagwa. ZANU-PF is accused of undermining dissent, weakening the judiciary, and making elections more like a managed ritual than a democratic contest.

Legal opponents have warned that any constitutional amendment attempt will face legal opposition.

In a statement on X, opposition lawyer Tendai Biti said, “We will defend the Constitution against its capture and manipulation to advance a dangerous, unconstitutional anti-people agenda.”

Ten elderly activists were detained in Harare on Friday on suspicion of planning a demonstration demanding Mnangagwa’s resignation. The majority of them were in their 60s and 70s.

They are being held in custody pending a Monday bail hearing after being accused of trying to “incite public violence.” In similar circumstances, authorities detained nearly 100 young people earlier this year.