CCC MPs return to Parliament as disengagement period ends

Members of the Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) have re-engaged in legislative and council activities, attending the official handover of the National Assembly building in Mount Hampden on Thursday.

Earlier this month, CCC lawmakers disengaged from legislative activities in protest of the recall of 15 lawmakers by the self-appointed interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu. Led by their Chief Whip, some CCC MPs participated in the event where China officially handed over the new Parliament building to the government.

CCC's deputy spokesperson, Ostallos Siziba, stated that the party has made progress in discussions with the Speaker of Parliament to resolve the issues. He said, "We've had a meeting with Jacob Mudenda, the Speaker of Parliament, particularly to address these concerns. Our Members of Parliament experienced mistreatment, and we've been engaging with parliamentary authorities. We assure citizens and are confident in our efforts to resolve these issues, enabling us to focus on national matters in our country. The budget is imminent, and there are critical national issues that we've been mandated by the citizens to address."

During the period of disengagement, CCC legislators had abandoned their committee responsibilities in the National Assembly. Tshabangu had instructed them to return to parliamentary activities, warning of further recalls.

In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com, Khaliphani Phugeni, spokesperson for Sengezo Tshabangu, stated, "There was a two-week boycott, as you may recall. The Secretary General sent a letter clearly stating his expectation that all deployees should promptly resume their duties and serve the people in their designated roles. He warned that failure to do so could result in redeployment for full-time political engagement. I believe this call has been heeded, and that's why you see our representatives addressing important parliamentary and council matters."