Chamisa loyalists brands Timba as a 'rebel'

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa's close ally, Amos Chibaya, says the opposition is working on a roadmap to ensure free and fair elections in Zimbabwe, even as divisions continue to deepen within the fractured movement.

Chibaya made the remarks during a virtual meeting with opposition activists seeking clarity on Chamisa's political direction following his self-imposed sabbatical from frontline politics late last year.

"Champions, our agenda is on reforms - a transitional mechanism and a roadmap to free, fair and credible elections, with a pre- and post-election pact on the future of Zimbabwe," Chibaya told supporters via a WhatsApp platform known as the Citizens Platform.

The meeting forms part of renewed mobilisation efforts by a small group of Chamisa loyalists - including CCC spokesperson Gift "Ostallos" Siziba, Rangarirai Mutingwende, and Farai Chinobva - who have rebranded under a new initiative called "The New", following the collapse of the short-lived Blue Movement earlier this year.

Sources said the group, which claims to be operating under Chamisa's directives, has been holding mobilisation meetings across provinces while using social media platforms to share what they describe as the former CCC leader's "citizens-driven transition roadmap".

However, insiders say the renewed push has exposed deep-seated rivalries and mistrust within the opposition ranks, with former allies turning against one another.

Infighting has reportedly intensified between the Chibaya-Siziba camp and figures aligned to interim CCC leader Jameson Timba, who assumed leadership following Chamisa's resignation in January.

According to party insiders, Timba has been branded a "rebel" by some Chamisa loyalists and has been excluded from internal communication platforms run by those claiming proximity to the former leader.

"There is a lot of name-calling and suspicion," said one source familiar with the developments.
"People are accusing each other of selling out and pursuing personal ambitions. The situation has become toxic - and all this is coming from people who claim to have Chamisa's blessing."

The growing hostility, sources added, has left many supporters confused about the future of the opposition, with no official word from Chamisa himself on whether he plans a political comeback or a complete rebranding of his movement.

Chibaya yesterday referred questions to Siziba, who was not reachable for comment. Timba also did not respond to messages seeking his comment.