Zanu PF edges closer to a Constitutional coup

Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party has resolved to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office beyond his constitutional limit, effectively launching what critics are calling a "constitutional coup." The resolution, made at the party's annual conference in Mutare over the weekend, seeks to amend the Constitution to allow Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030, two years beyond his current second-term limit that ends in 2028.

Announcing the resolutions, Zanu-PF's Secretary for Legal Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said the party had directed him to initiate the legislative process to amend the Constitution within a year. The decision comes amid intensifying succession battles within the ruling party, pitting Mnangagwa against his deputy, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who is said to be opposed to the plan to extend the president's rule.

Civil society organisations, opposition parties and legal experts have condemned the move, describing it as unconstitutional and undemocratic. Constitutional lawyers point out that any such change would require two referenda, though Zanu-PF insiders reportedly believe the party can push it through Parliament without one. Analysts warn that avoiding a referendum could trigger political instability, with some suggesting it could even mark the beginning of the end for Zanu-PF's 45-year dominance.

Mnangagwa, who came to power through a military coup that ousted long-time ruler Robert Mugabe in November 2017, has previously stated that he would step down in 2028 in line with the Constitution. However, he has not publicly rejected the party's latest resolution, fuelling speculation that his allies are acting with his approval.

The move has sparked fears that Zimbabwe is sliding further into authoritarianism, mirroring a trend seen in several African nations where incumbents manipulate constitutions to extend their rule. Across the continent, leaders in countries such as Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Togo, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea have amended or discarded term limits under the guise of promoting stability and continuity.

Experts describe this pattern as "constitutional coups" — the manipulation of constitutional frameworks to extend presidential mandates. While these actions appear legal on paper, they undermine democratic institutions and often lead to unrest or military takeovers. According to Afrobarometer, more than three-quarters of Africans support presidential term limits, yet ruling elites continue to subvert them to protect personal and political interests.

Zimbabwe's situation is particularly poignant, given its painful history under Mugabe, who ruled for 37 years until his removal. Mnangagwa, who served in government for 45 years, is now accused of repeating his predecessor's mistakes by dismantling the very constitutional safeguards established to prevent another prolonged dictatorship.

Across Africa, 14 countries have either removed or extended presidential term limits since 2002. Recent examples include Chad, where President Mahamat Idris Déby altered the Constitution in 2024 to consolidate his rule; the Central African Republic, where Faustin-Archange Touadéra reset term limits in 2023; and Egypt, where President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi extended his rule to 2030. In Uganda, Yoweri Museveni continues to govern indefinitely after scrapping term and age limits.

Analysts warn that these constitutional manipulations erode public trust and lay the groundwork for military coups. The recent coups in Gabon and Guinea were both preceded by leaders' attempts to extend their rule unconstitutionally. They argue that Zimbabwe risks the same fate if Mnangagwa proceeds with the extension, as frustration over democratic backsliding could spark public unrest or military intervention.

By pursuing this path, Mnangagwa joins a growing list of African leaders who, unable to relinquish power, have chosen to undermine their countries' constitutions for personal gain. Observers say the decision may protect his inner circle's political and economic interests in the short term but could destroy the democratic fabric of Zimbabwe and plunge the nation into deeper political turmoil.