Former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has officially announced his return to full-time politics, affirming his unwavering commitment to Zimbabweans who have long looked to him as a symbol of democratic resistance against Zanu-PF’s decades-long rule. In an exclusive interview with The Standard, Chamisa made it clear that his political sabbatical was never a retreat from the people, but rather a strategic pause amid internal party upheavals.
Chamisa’s declaration comes at a time of growing political tension following reports that some Zanu-PF members are pushing to amend the Constitution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office from 2028 to 2030. Although Mnangagwa has publicly rejected the notion and reasserted his identity as a constitutionalist, the idea of a “2030 agenda” has gained momentum within ruling party circles, sparking widespread debate and concern.
Chamisa, however, was quick to dismiss the idea as undemocratic and dangerous. “The whole 2030 nonsense is a desperate attempt to avoid the people and an even more desperate attempt to avoid elections,” Chamisa said. “It is a clear effort to create a window for further destroying an otherwise beautiful country. I will never betray the over two million Zimbabweans who have consistently shown me their trust and support.”
The ruling Zanu-PF party had adopted a resolution at its 2023 annual conference to explore constitutional amendments that could facilitate the extension of Mnangagwa’s rule. Despite Mnangagwa distancing himself from the proposal, critics argue that his silence on party discipline and enforcement gives tacit approval to those pushing the agenda.
Chamisa Declares Full-Time Political Comeback
Chamisa’s return to frontline politics comes after a period of political uncertainty within the opposition. In 2022, he founded the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) after breaking away from the MDC Alliance. However, his leadership was challenged in 2023 by CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu, whose internal manoeuvres led to the recall of multiple CCC lawmakers. The recalls forced costly by-elections and gave Zanu-PF the two-thirds majority it needed to potentially amend the Constitution—further raising suspicions about Tshabangu’s intentions.
“Leaving the CCC is different from leaving the people of Zimbabwe whom I so deeply respect and value,” Chamisa clarified. “I left the old vehicle only because Zanu-PF had captured and compromised it. It was no longer a vessel for true change, but a poodle of Zanu-PF. People now know who is genuine and who is not.”
He continued, “As a matter of principle, I had to walk away. But I never walked away from the vision of a better Zimbabwe. That vision lives on, and I am more committed than ever.”
Chamisa was also sharply critical of Mnangagwa’s administration, especially in the aftermath of the 2018 and 2023 general elections, both of which he contested and whose outcomes he strongly rejected.
“After the 2018 and 2023 elections, my competitor Mr Mnangagwa never forgave the people for voting against him and his party,” Chamisa charged. “He chose instead to punish them—with suffocating taxes, impoverishment, rampant corruption, and a complete breakdown of public services. Zimbabweans have suffered enough.”
He reiterated his long-held stance that Mnangagwa’s 2023 victory was illegitimate. “He was not elected. He was declared the winner in a disputed election condemned by the people of Zimbabwe, by SADC, and by international observers.”
Chamisa has now challenged Mnangagwa in two consecutive presidential elections, both ending in controversy. His reentry into the political fray is being seen by analysts as the reawakening of serious opposition ahead of the next electoral cycle. His supporters believe his renewed presence could galvanise the fragmented opposition and provide a credible alternative to Zanu-PF’s dominance.
While he has not announced a new party or political structure, Chamisa’s remarks suggest he is gearing up for a more organised and focused campaign in the coming years.
“Zimbabwe belongs to all its citizens, not just a few at the top,” he said. “We will not let the Constitution be trampled upon. We will not let elections become rituals of deception. The people deserve a real chance at change.”
Chamisa’s declaration is already stirring hope among supporters and heightening anxiety within ruling circles. As the country inches toward its next political showdown, his return may very well reshape the opposition landscape and reignite the struggle for democratic renewal in Zimbabwe.
Source – Bulawayo24
