Sikhala petitions AU over Zanu-PF's constitutional coup

The Job Sikhala-led National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) has formally petitioned the African Union (AU), urging intervention to halt Zanu-PF's proposed constitutional amendments that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term in office.

In a petition dated February 11, NDWG acting chairperson Zenzo Nkomo described the planned amendments as a "constitutional coup" and a violation of Article 30 of the AU Constitutive Act. The petition was addressed to African Commission chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"Developments happening in Zimbabwe to mutilate the Constitution to prolong and extend the term of office of the incumbent constitute a coup and unconstitutional change of government," Nkomo said.

The petition cites the Lomé Declaration (2000) and related AU protocols, which define unconstitutional changes of government to include not only military coups but also manipulations of constitutions to remain in power. NDWG alleges that the proposed amendments violate these provisions, as well as international obligations under the AU Charter.

Nkomo further highlighted escalating human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests of anti-coup campaigners, and suppression of dissenting voices as part of the ongoing crackdown. The petition calls for Zimbabwe's suspension from the AU in line with Article 30, which bars governments that come to power through unconstitutional means from participating in the Union.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi submitted the Constitutional Amendment Bill to Cabinet on Tuesday, triggering opposition and civic sector outcry.

The AU has yet to respond to the petition, which underscores rising regional concerns over Zimbabwe's political trajectory and the proposed extension of presidential powers.