Retired generals warn Mnangagwa

A group of retired senior military officers and former senior civil servants has issued a strongly worded statement accusing President Emmerson Mnangagwa of being the “principal architect and principal beneficiary” of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), while alleging the existence of a US$31 million scheme to influence parliamentary votes.

The statement, delivered by retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena on behalf of the group, also claims that businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei is a central financial driver behind efforts to secure support for the constitutional changes.

The group alleges that funds were earmarked to secure parliamentary backing for the Bill, including claims that provincial party chairpersons were given vehicles and cash payments reportedly amounting to US$100,000 each.

They further allege that a US$31 million budget was discussed at a private gathering involving senior government and ruling party officials, including ministers and senior administrators, with an alleged allocation of US$50,000 per Member of Parliament.

The claims could not be independently verified.

Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 was introduced in Parliament for its first reading on Tuesday, with Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi indicating that government intends to expedite its passage through both houses before presidential assent.

If adopted, the Bill would extend the presidential term from five to seven years and potentially extend Mnangagwa's current tenure to 2030. It also includes proposals to shift the election of the president from direct popular vote to selection by Parliament.

Under the current Constitution, Mnangagwa is expected to step down in 2028 after completing his second term.

According to the retired officers, they previously engaged the President in meetings that ended without agreement. Retired Air Marshal Muchena said discussions held in May 2026 did not resolve their concerns regarding the constitutional implications of the proposed amendments.

They alleged that during one of the engagements, the President was accompanied by senior legal and government officials who defended the constitutionality of the Bill and argued that no referendum was required.

The group has warned that the Bill undermines constitutional safeguards and could erode public trust in governance institutions. They also urged citizens to resist the proposed changes and warned Members of Parliament that supporting the Bill would carry long-term political consequences.

The statement also references a High Court application challenging the legality of the amendments, arguing that incumbent office holders should not benefit from constitutional changes affecting term limits without a referendum process.

Government and ruling party officials have consistently defended the Bill, arguing that it falls within parliamentary authority and complies with constitutional requirements.

CAB3 has become one of the most divisive constitutional proposals in recent years, drawing criticism from opposition groups, civil society actors, and sections of the country's military veterans.

Supporters of the Bill argue it is necessary for governance continuity and institutional reform, while critics say it risks weakening democratic accountability and concentrating power in the executive.

The Bill is expected to continue its fast-tracked journey through Parliament in the coming weeks as debate over its legality and political implications intensifies.