CCC rival faction fights intensify

Political tensions within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) have intensified as rival factions plot a fresh round of recalls targeting opposition legislators. These internal power struggles are widely seen as intertwined with Zanu-PF's controversial push to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's final term by two years, effectively prolonging his stay in office until 2030.

Insiders reveal that the first wave of recalls, reportedly influenced by Zanu-PF, will be spearheaded by a Bulawayo-based ally of self-declared CCC interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu (name withheld). This campaign aims to remove legislators perceived as obstacles to Mnangagwa's term extension ambitions.

Sources familiar with the unfolding drama say Tshabangu's backers are attempting to distance the recall process from him, citing concerns over his compromised position as a suspected Zanu-PF proxy.

"There is a deliberate move to engage another CCC official to sanitise the process, as Tshabangu is seen as too tainted to front these efforts," one source explained.

CCC is currently fractured into three main factions, led by Sengezo Tshabangu, Welshman Ncube, and Jameson Timba. The factional battles have spilled into the courts, with Timba's camp seeking to nullify Tshabangu's claim to the party's secretary general position.

In a second planned move, the Timba faction intends to recall CCC legislators aligned with Ncube before launching an ambitious by-election campaign. Their strategy involves expanding their parliamentary numbers to mount a motion to impeach Mnangagwa. This faction is reportedly aligned with former party leader Nelson Chamisa.

"There is confidence that Chamisa's endorsement will help the Timba faction win by-elections, increasing their parliamentary strength and enabling them to push for Mnangagwa's impeachment," a source close to Timba's camp said.

In an interview with The Standard, Jameson Timba confirmed plans to recall MPs, asserting that his faction is the legitimate CCC sponsor of all sitting CCC parliamentarians.

"MPs claiming allegiance to Welshman Ncube risk unlawful floor crossing and subsequent recall," Timba said. "Those following Tshabangu will face the same consequences once the courts rule on his illegitimacy as interim secretary general."

Timba dismissed the rival factions as divisive distractions, lamenting: "It is the tragedy of our time that even kindergarten children understand these struggles."

Welshman Ncube's spokesperson, Willias Madzimure, challenged the legitimacy of the Timba faction's recall efforts.

"The CCC is a unified party under Welshman Ncube's leadership," Madzimure stated. "These recall threats echo previous empty threats from Tshabangu. Neither has legitimate authority."

Madzimure further questioned the procedural viability of the recalls: "Will the Speaker even consider Timba's recall letters? Most legislators aligned with those factions have resigned, while those remaining have chosen to follow Ncube."

As CCC factions continue their bitter power play, the opposition's cohesion remains fragile, even as Zimbabwe faces a looming constitutional crisis over Mnangagwa's bid to extend his presidency. The unfolding political chess game could redefine the country's opposition landscape ahead of critical electoral battles.