Churches condemn Zanu-PF over Palm Sunday disruption

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has strongly criticised Zanu-PF following reports that a party structure in Mudzi district allegedly pressured churches to suspend Palm Sunday services to allow congregants to attend a political meeting.

In a sharply worded statement issued on Sunday, the ZCC described the move as "unacceptable and a direct affront to religious freedom," citing constitutional protections under Section 60, which guarantees freedom of conscience, religion, belief and opinion.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 29, 2026  -  Palm Sunday  -  one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar, marking the beginning of Holy Week.

The church body also invoked biblical principles, stating that believers are guided to "obey God rather than men," underscoring its stance against political interference in religious practices.

Observers say the development reflects a broader pattern of intensified mobilisation efforts by Zanu-PF as it seeks to build public support for the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

The Bill, gazetted in February, proposes sweeping changes to Zimbabwe's governance framework, including extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and replacing direct presidential elections with a parliamentary voting system.

Critics argue that the proposed amendments could fundamentally alter the country's constitutional order and weaken democratic safeguards.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, who began his second and final constitutional term in 2023, is expected to step down in 2028. However, calls within sections of Zanu-PF for him to remain in office until 2030 have intensified, fuelling debate around the amendment.

As public hearings led by the Parliament of Zimbabwe get underway, reports suggest that mobilisation efforts have expanded across multiple sectors, including traditional leadership structures.

In Manicaland, Provincial Affairs Minister Misheck Mugadza recently urged party affiliates to actively support the Bill during consultations, warning that dissenting voices could be viewed as disloyal.

Human rights groups have also raised alarm over alleged coercive tactics. Human Rights Watch documented a March 1 incident in Harare where armed individuals reportedly attacked members of the National Constitutional Assembly, injuring several, including constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, who is challenging the amendment process in court.

Meanwhile, opposition politician Tendai Biti, convenor of the Constitution Defenders Forum, was recently granted bail under conditions restricting his ability to hold grassroots meetings on the Bill.

Despite Zanu-PF's parliamentary dominance, dissent is reportedly emerging within its ranks. Legislator Agency Gumbo said efforts are underway to rally MPs opposed to the proposed term extension.

With civil society organisations, legal experts and church groups increasingly voicing concern, the debate over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 is intensifying, raising questions about the balance between political power, democratic processes and fundamental freedoms in Zimbabwe.