Zimbabweans in the UK march against CAB3

Zimbabweans living in the diaspora have staged demonstrations in the United Kingdom in opposition to the proposed Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, which critics say could extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule and alter the country's electoral system.

The protest, dubbed a "March of Defiance," took place at Witton Park in Blackburn on Saturday, where dozens of participants braved cold and rainy weather to voice their opposition to the proposed changes. Organisers said more than 70 people took part, having travelled from various UK cities and spent the night in nearby accommodation ahead of the event.

The demonstration was coordinated by a group of activists including Phylis Melody Magejo, Dickson Chikwizo, Vengai Mutsawu and Josephine Sipiwe Jenje-Mudimbu, with additional participation from other community members.

Marchers carried placards and chanted slogans rejecting the constitutional amendment, with some describing the gathering as a peaceful expression of democratic rights, while others framed it as a broader call for political accountability in Zimbabwe.

Participants said they were acting in solidarity with citizens back home, arguing that civic education efforts in Zimbabwe are being restricted.

Among those in attendance were several named participants who said the protest represented the voices of Zimbabweans allegedly facing arrests for discussing the proposed constitutional changes and related political issues.

Activists at the event said diaspora mobilisation was necessary to draw international attention to developments in Zimbabwe's governance, particularly around the controversial amendment process.

However, critics have suggested the protests are part of a coordinated political campaign, an allegation activists reject, insisting the event was independently organised and funded through community contributions.

Reports have also emerged alleging that Zimbabwean authorities are monitoring diaspora activities and seeking information on the logistics and funding of such demonstrations, including transport and accommodation arrangements. These claims have not been independently verified.

Government-aligned sources have further speculated about links between organisers and opposition-affiliated groups abroad, although organisers deny any centralised coordination, maintaining that the march was a grassroots initiative.

The proposed Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill has become a focal point of political tension, with critics arguing it could reshape the country's electoral framework and extend presidential tenure, while supporters of the government say the reforms are part of broader institutional restructuring.

As debate intensifies both locally and abroad, diaspora activism continues to grow as a parallel voice in Zimbabwe's unfolding constitutional and political discussions.