Chamisa launching a bigger party in 2026

Former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has used a charity fund-raising event in Harare to reignite hope among his supporters, declaring that he will launch a "massive" new political party in 2026 which he says will reshape Zimbabwe's future.

Addressing close to 400 guests at the event, Chamisa responded to critics who have accused him of abandoning the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the party he formed after the collapse of the MDC Alliance. He told supporters that the coming year would mark a decisive turning point.

"I want to tell those who are mobilising to keep mobilising, because next year we are going to go big. Next year, we are going to change the direction of this country. If you knew what I know, then you would be celebrating," Chamisa said.

Sources close to the former CCC leader revealed that his team has been quietly engaging communities away from social media platforms in preparation for the formation of a new political movement aimed at challenging Zanu-PF's dominance.

"It's not just about elections," said one insider on the sidelines of the event. "It's also about ensuring that there is a level playing field before going to those elections, and 2026 is ripe to begin pushing for that."

With Zanu-PF moving to advance an agenda to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure to 2030, Chamisa positioned himself as a key figure ready to confront the ruling party. In a 30-minute address, he warned against treating internal party resolutions as national policy.

"You cannot think that a little resolution within your organisation is the one that should be used to run this country," he said. "The country belongs to the people. Even if you make your amendments in Parliament, we will be here. We will stop this, because it's not about an individual but about the people."

Chamisa, who has faced criticism from opponents who claim he lacks the political acumen of his late predecessor Morgan Tsvangirai, used the platform to reaffirm his commitment to Zimbabwe and dismiss speculation about his political future.

"Some are saying I have left, taken my wife with me. Do they know me, especially the way I love Gutu?" he said. "Why would I leave when I have a pot that is cooking and it's about to be dished?"

He also questioned the motives of critics who, he said, were now speaking on his behalf.

"What is more intriguing is that those who said they wanted me out of the way and have never wished me well are at the forefront of being my spokespersons. Why?" he asked.

The fund-raising dinner, which has become an annual gathering attended by legislators and supporters who continue to pledge loyalty to Chamisa, was charged with excitement following his declaration.

Chamisa also addressed the departure of former allies following the collapse of the CCC, describing the fallout as an opportunity rather than a setback.

"It is good that they had to go," he said. "The events that happened showed us their real character, and if they had stayed, they were going to delay our destination."

Following the CCC's implosion, Chamisa fell out with several senior figures, including Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube and Charlton Hwende, once prominent faces of the opposition. While many analysts viewed the divisions as fatal to the opposition's prospects, Chamisa framed them as a chance for renewal and the building of a stronger, more focused political movement.

With his pledge to unveil a new party in 2026, Chamisa has signalled that he intends to remain a central figure in Zimbabwe's political landscape, setting the stage for a renewed confrontation with Zanu-PF.