The army will advise accordingly if Zanu-PF becomes a security threat

Retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena has warned that the military is closely monitoring developments around proposed constitutional changes, cautioning that it could respond "accordingly" if Zanu-PF becomes a security threat.

Muchena is among a group of former senior military figures calling for a referendum before any move to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond its current constitutional limit.

His remarks come as Zanu-PF faces internal factional tensions linked to efforts to amend the constitution, with critics accusing the ruling party of attempting to prolong Mnangagwa's stay in power without public consent.

Mnangagwa is reportedly opposed to holding a referendum, while Muchena and like-minded former generals insist that any changes - particularly those affecting key provisions - must be approved by citizens.

"When Zimbabweans agreed to the 2013 Constitution, there were clear provisions regarding amendments," said Muchena, arguing that certain sections require a national referendum before any alterations can be made.

He pointed to Chapter 4 of the constitution, which deals with fundamental rights, saying it cannot be amended without direct approval from the electorate.

Muchena recently submitted a letter to Parliament opposing the proposed changes, warning they deviate from the ideals that underpinned Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. He also raised concern over alleged attempts to weaken constitutional provisions governing the role of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

"These opportunists have moved to try and remove Section 212 of the Constitution, which mandates the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to defend the Constitution," he said. "The ZDF are watching the process, and when Zanu-PF itself becomes a security threat, I believe they will advise accordingly."

The remarks have drawn attention given the military's role in the 2017 Zimbabwe coup d'état, which led to the resignation of former president Robert Mugabe.

Muchena, who says he has been a member of Zanu-PF for over 50 years, also criticised what he described as the rise of "unelected leaders" within the party. He alleged that positions within the central committee are increasingly influenced by money and patronage rather than democratic processes.

"We have seen people being co-opted into the central committee through financial influence, including vehicle donations to party officials. That is not the Zanu-PF we knew," he said.

He added that since 2017, the party had an opportunity to renew itself but instead opened the door to individuals who are now reshaping its principles.

Muchena called on the ruling party to return to its founding values and allow power to rest with the people, warning that failure to do so could deepen tensions both within the party and across the country.