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Biti criticised over Tshabangu links
8 hrs ago |
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The recent arrest of Tendai Biti, convenor of the Constitution Defenders Forum, for opposing constitutional amendments aimed at extending Emmerson Mnangagwa's term, has reignited debate over his political legacy.
Brighton Matebuka, a United Kingdom-based lawyer and pro-Nelson Chamisa commentator, described his struggle to reconcile sympathy for Biti with the former minister's alleged role in supporting actions that undermined the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change.
Matebuka highlighted Biti's purported backing of Sengezo Tshabangu, whose manoeuvres - including orchestrating recalls within the CCC - allowed Zanu-PF to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority, paving the way for what critics call the 2030 Agenda.
"The Biti saga is a delicate one, for a delicate balance has to be struck between condemning the regime for predictably targeting & persecuting him for opposing Agenda 2030 while steadfastly seeking to hold him to account for how he behaved at the height of Tshabangu's shenanigans," Matebuka wrote.
He described the political fallout as "spilt milk," acknowledging that Biti's past decisions contributed to the opposition losing its parliamentary edge, which enabled Mnangagwa to consolidate power.
Matebuka also noted the difficulty of reconciling Biti's current opposition stance with prior actions, suggesting that a mix of guilt, attempts to restore his public image, and possibly undisclosed political interests may now be motivating him.
"I simply have a lump on my throat. I have tried to swallow it, but it stubbornly refuses to embrace gravity," Matebuka admitted, reflecting the tension between personal sympathy and political accountability.
He concluded by apologising to anyone offended by his candid assessment, explaining that his professional training and lived experience in Zimbabwean politics made it impossible to remain silent.
Biti's arrest has intensified scrutiny over both the ruling party's constitutional amendments and the complex legacy of opposition figures whose past actions may have inadvertently strengthened Zanu-PF's parliamentary dominance.
Brighton Matebuka, a United Kingdom-based lawyer and pro-Nelson Chamisa commentator, described his struggle to reconcile sympathy for Biti with the former minister's alleged role in supporting actions that undermined the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change.
Matebuka highlighted Biti's purported backing of Sengezo Tshabangu, whose manoeuvres - including orchestrating recalls within the CCC - allowed Zanu-PF to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority, paving the way for what critics call the 2030 Agenda.
"The Biti saga is a delicate one, for a delicate balance has to be struck between condemning the regime for predictably targeting & persecuting him for opposing Agenda 2030 while steadfastly seeking to hold him to account for how he behaved at the height of Tshabangu's shenanigans," Matebuka wrote.
He described the political fallout as "spilt milk," acknowledging that Biti's past decisions contributed to the opposition losing its parliamentary edge, which enabled Mnangagwa to consolidate power.
Matebuka also noted the difficulty of reconciling Biti's current opposition stance with prior actions, suggesting that a mix of guilt, attempts to restore his public image, and possibly undisclosed political interests may now be motivating him.
"I simply have a lump on my throat. I have tried to swallow it, but it stubbornly refuses to embrace gravity," Matebuka admitted, reflecting the tension between personal sympathy and political accountability.
He concluded by apologising to anyone offended by his candid assessment, explaining that his professional training and lived experience in Zimbabwean politics made it impossible to remain silent.
Biti's arrest has intensified scrutiny over both the ruling party's constitutional amendments and the complex legacy of opposition figures whose past actions may have inadvertently strengthened Zanu-PF's parliamentary dominance.
Source - Newsday
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