'Mnangagwa life presidency is a redline'

Zimbabwe's opposition and civil society organisations have warned they are ready to legally challenge any attempt to amend the Constitution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure beyond the current limit.

The alert comes after government officials confirmed that a draft Constitutional Amendment Bill is ready for Cabinet and parliamentary consideration. Critics argue that the proposed changes are a partisan move aimed at extending Mnangagwa's rule to 2030, in violation of the 2013 Constitution, undermining democracy and threatening national stability.

Under the banner of the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), convened by former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, the coalition said it is "ready, legally, civically and peacefully" to oppose what it describes as a political project designed to override constitutional safeguards. CDF cited sections 91, 95, and 328, which govern presidential term limits and amendment procedures, as clear barriers to any extension.

"The Constitution Defenders Forum is on high alert. We are ready, legally, civically and peacefully to confront and resist any attempt to mutilate the Constitution," the movement said.

CDF dismissed claims by ruling party officials that legal barriers do not exist, stressing that party resolutions cannot override the Constitution and that Parliament should not become a rubber stamp for partisan interests. The forum warned that attempts to alter presidential term limits risk undermining democratic legitimacy and national stability.

"Zimbabwe is not owned by any political party, individual, or clique. The Constitution belongs to the people, not to those who temporarily occupy office. Citizens are alert, organised, and resolute," the group said.

The warning comes amid heightened political activity by some of Mnangagwa's allies, who have recently mobilised grassroots support for extending his term beyond the constitutionally-mandated two terms. Among the supporters of the so-called 2030 agenda is presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara, whose recent remarks suggesting Mnangagwa's continued rule was "ordained by God" have drawn widespread criticism.

Opposition and civic leaders dismissed attempts to justify unconstitutional extensions through religious language. Opposition politician Jameson Timba said: "Zimbabwe is a constitutional republic, not a theocracy. Authority to govern flows from the Constitution and the sovereign will of the people, expressed through free and fair elections—not divine pronouncements."

Timba warned that framing political ambitions as divinely ordained undermines both democracy and faith. "History teaches that when political power claims divine entitlement, accountability collapses, corruption flourishes, and citizens are reduced from rights-holders to subjects. Zimbabwe rejected that path when it adopted a people-driven Constitution in 2013."

Last year, Zanu PF's national people's conference directed the party and government to pursue legislative amendments to extend Mnangagwa's tenure, instructing the party's legal secretary and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi to ensure implementation of the resolution.

CDF and allied civic groups say they are prepared to take the matter to court to defend constitutionalism, signalling a potential legal showdown over any attempt to extend the President's term.