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'Zimbabwe's political crisis has to be managed carefully,' says Biti
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As Zimbabwe grapples with escalating political tension and worsening economic conditions, fresh calls have emerged for the establishment of a National Transitional Authority (NTA) as a crucial rescue measure.
The country's political landscape has been roiled by a faction within the ruling Zanu-PF party reportedly pushing to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond the 2028 elections, despite Mnangagwa's public rejection of such plans. This power struggle has intensified divisions and uncertainty.
Compounding the crisis are reports of a proposed Government of National Unity (GNU), championed by opposition figure Sengezo Tshabangu, adding another layer of complexity to the fragile political environment.
During a recent online forum, former Cabinet minister and finance minister Tendai Biti warned of Zimbabwe's dangerous trajectory.
"There is a genuine transition taking place in Zimbabwe. There is a genuine transition that has to be managed. There is a genuine transition that has to be shepherded. It has to be scaffolded. If it is not scaffolded and shepherded, we are going to go into an implosion," Biti cautioned.
Biti highlighted the extensive capture of state institutions by Zanu-PF, which he said severely undermines democratic governance.
"We have had a policy and a polity pillared on the emasculation of State institutions. There is no institution in Zimbabwe that is independent. There is no institution in Zimbabwe that is not an extension of Zanu-PF's Politburo.
"Every institution—including those I cannot mention because I am a practicing lawyer—every institution in Zimbabwe has been captured and captured thoroughly," he said.
Observers have repeatedly accused Zanu-PF of undermining constitutional institutions, eroding the democratic space within elections, Parliament, and the judiciary. The ruling party's influence is also believed to have contributed to the fragmentation of the opposition, notably through the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) split last year, with Tshabangu playing a key role in weakening opposition unity.
The absence of a strong opposition, experts argue, has allowed the government to operate with little to no checks and balances, deepening the political crisis.
Biti stressed that the NTA concept revolves around inclusive dialogue aimed at stabilizing Zimbabwe.
"The sum collection of this is that we have a crisis that needs to be managed to avoid an implosion. That is where the NTA comes in. The NTA is an idea that is anchored on dialogue.
"The citizens of Zimbabwe must talk and dialogue, where the first process has to be a national conference. The convention must articulate issues that speak to Zimbabwe's fragility and vulnerability, and these issues must be put on the table," Biti said.
As Zimbabwe's political and economic pressures mount, the call for a National Transitional Authority underscores growing recognition that meaningful dialogue and inclusive governance are essential to prevent further deterioration and chart a path toward stability.
The country's political landscape has been roiled by a faction within the ruling Zanu-PF party reportedly pushing to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond the 2028 elections, despite Mnangagwa's public rejection of such plans. This power struggle has intensified divisions and uncertainty.
Compounding the crisis are reports of a proposed Government of National Unity (GNU), championed by opposition figure Sengezo Tshabangu, adding another layer of complexity to the fragile political environment.
During a recent online forum, former Cabinet minister and finance minister Tendai Biti warned of Zimbabwe's dangerous trajectory.
"There is a genuine transition taking place in Zimbabwe. There is a genuine transition that has to be managed. There is a genuine transition that has to be shepherded. It has to be scaffolded. If it is not scaffolded and shepherded, we are going to go into an implosion," Biti cautioned.
Biti highlighted the extensive capture of state institutions by Zanu-PF, which he said severely undermines democratic governance.
"We have had a policy and a polity pillared on the emasculation of State institutions. There is no institution in Zimbabwe that is independent. There is no institution in Zimbabwe that is not an extension of Zanu-PF's Politburo.
"Every institution—including those I cannot mention because I am a practicing lawyer—every institution in Zimbabwe has been captured and captured thoroughly," he said.
Observers have repeatedly accused Zanu-PF of undermining constitutional institutions, eroding the democratic space within elections, Parliament, and the judiciary. The ruling party's influence is also believed to have contributed to the fragmentation of the opposition, notably through the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) split last year, with Tshabangu playing a key role in weakening opposition unity.
The absence of a strong opposition, experts argue, has allowed the government to operate with little to no checks and balances, deepening the political crisis.
Biti stressed that the NTA concept revolves around inclusive dialogue aimed at stabilizing Zimbabwe.
"The sum collection of this is that we have a crisis that needs to be managed to avoid an implosion. That is where the NTA comes in. The NTA is an idea that is anchored on dialogue.
"The citizens of Zimbabwe must talk and dialogue, where the first process has to be a national conference. The convention must articulate issues that speak to Zimbabwe's fragility and vulnerability, and these issues must be put on the table," Biti said.
As Zimbabwe's political and economic pressures mount, the call for a National Transitional Authority underscores growing recognition that meaningful dialogue and inclusive governance are essential to prevent further deterioration and chart a path toward stability.
Source - newzimbabwe
