Hwende responds to Mwonzora's call for a united opposition

Opposition legislator Charlton Hwende has conceded that infighting and strategic failures among opposition leaders contributed to the collapse of the once formidable Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), arguing that Zimbabwe now needs a new, broad-based opposition movement led by fresh leadership.

Hwende's remarks come amid renewed calls by MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora for prominent opposition figures - including Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti and Job Sikhala - to unite in an effort to rebuild a viable political alternative ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Zimbabwe's opposition has struggled to recover following years of fragmentation, first within the MDC and later the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Political analysts say the country currently lacks a cohesive opposition force capable of mounting a serious electoral challenge to Zanu-PF, which has consolidated its dominance in Parliament and local authorities.

"We must accept that we have all contributed to the demise of a genuine and authentic opposition movement," Hwende said. "For the country to move forward, we need a new broad-based opposition movement led by new leaders - and we must accept to be led."

Hwende's comments reflect growing introspection within opposition ranks following the disputed 2023 general elections, after which internal divisions deepened. The situation worsened with the recall of opposition Members of Parliament and councillors, a move that significantly weakened opposition representation and tilted political power further in favour of Zanu-PF.

Once a close ally of Nelson Chamisa, Hwende served as secretary-general of the MDC Alliance and later held a senior position in the CCC. However, relations deteriorated after the 2023 polls, with Hwende subsequently aligning himself with self-styled CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu.

Tshabangu's controversial recalls of opposition MPs and councillors effectively hollowed out the opposition in Parliament and local government, a development critics say undermined democratic checks and balances and handed Zanu-PF near-total control of key institutions.

While Mwonzora has renewed his call for unity among opposition heavyweights, scepticism remains over whether past rivalries, mistrust and leadership disputes can be overcome. Hwende's call for new leadership suggests that sections of the opposition believe reunification under existing figures may no longer be sufficient.

As the 2028 elections draw closer, the debate over whether to revive old formations or build an entirely new political movement is expected to intensify - with the future shape of Zimbabwe's opposition hanging in the balance.