Mafa declares 'united opposition dead', urges civilian resistance against CAB3

Zambezia Economic Movement (ZEM) founder Devine Mafa has declared Zimbabwe's "united opposition" dead, accusing opposition leaders of once again placing their hopes in a possible military‑assisted political transition linked to Vice‑President Constantino Chiwenga.

In a strongly worded political statement, Mafa said divisions within the opposition reflected deeper failures dating back to the 2017 military intervention that removed former president Robert Mugabe.

His remarks come amid intensifying debate over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), which has drawn criticism from civil society groups and opposition activists.

Mafa claimed some opposition figures were positioning themselves for another military‑influenced transition similar to events surrounding Mugabe's removal.

"Now in 2026 the same opposition is making the same calculation," Mafa said. "Chiwenga is unhappy with Mnangagwa … and the opposition looked at that and said - Chiwenga might move. Let us be ready."

He singled out opposition politician Morgan Komichi, alleging he had walked away from efforts to build a united opposition platform due to disagreements over political strategy.

Mafa accused opposition leaders in 2017 of providing "civilian cover" for what he described as a military coup.

"What happened in 2017 was unconstitutional," he said.

He argued that Zimbabwe's Constitution does not provide for the military removal of a sitting president, citing Section 208(2), which bars security services from acting in a partisan manner.

"The three mechanisms for removing a president are impeachment by Parliament, a vote of no confidence, and death or incapacitation," he said. "None involve the military."

Mafa instead called for organised civilian resistance against CAB3 through public demonstrations and diaspora‑led pressure campaigns targeting legislators supporting the amendment.

"Those on the ground in Zimbabwe must take to the streets," he said. "Those of us in the diaspora have a different role."

He urged Zimbabweans abroad to apply economic and political pressure on lawmakers backing the proposed constitutional changes.

Beyond CAB3, Mafa used the statement to outline his broader political vision under the Zambezia Economic Movement, arguing that Zimbabwe's post‑independence political and economic structures were fundamentally flawed.

He said the country required a completely new national project built around what he called "Zemia", which he described as a reclaiming of pre‑colonial political and cultural identity linked to the Zambezi River.

"The people deserve more than a defended constitution built on a compromised foundation,” he said. "They deserve a new covenant. Written by them. For them."

Mafa's statement is likely to fuel debate within opposition circles already grappling with fragmentation, leadership disputes and differing strategies on how to confront Zanu PF ahead of future elections.

Critics of the opposition have long argued that parties have failed to build sustainable grassroots structures, while others say political conditions in Zimbabwe make mobilisation extremely difficult.

CAB3 remains one of the most contentious political issues in the country, with opponents warning it could further centralise political power, while supporters argue that constitutional amendments are part of normal democratic processes.