Chiwenga source says Zimbabwe has never been this close to a civil war

A source close to developments within Zanu PF and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's camp has warned that political tensions surrounding the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) have reached unprecedented levels, amid an intensifying battle over Zimbabwe's succession politics.

The remarks come as Parliament continues debating CAB3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would extend the national electoral cycle, prolong the life of Parliament and introduce significant changes to Zimbabwe's governance framework.

The bill has become one of the most contentious political issues in recent years, exposing divisions within both the ruling party and the opposition.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source claimed that the stakes surrounding the proposed amendments had heightened tensions within the governing party.

"We have never been this close to a civil war because of this bill and those within Mnangagwa's faction within Zanu PF know it," the source alleged.

"Despite the debates and all, there is still a certain level of hesitation because within Zanu PF the fight never ends and MPs know this."

The source further claimed that comments previously made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa had been interpreted differently by rival factions within the ruling party.

"When Mnangagwa said whoever wins, wins, that was interpreted as a challenge by those within Chiwenga's own faction. Now we wait to see if those pushing for CAB3 will benefit from it," the source said.

CAB3 has generated intense debate because critics argue that it could reshape Zimbabwe's political landscape and influence the succession battle within Zanu PF.

Although Chiwenga has not publicly declared his position on the bill, political observers have pointed to a series of speeches and public remarks that have been interpreted as indirect criticism of efforts to alter constitutional provisions.

In recent months, the Vice President has repeatedly invoked themes linked to the liberation struggle, constitutional governance and the importance of respecting foundational democratic principles.

His references to "one-man, one-vote," remembering the reasons for the liberation war and warnings against forgetting the country's historical struggles have been widely analysed within political circles.

The source claimed that Chiwenga's camp remains confident that public opposition to the proposed amendments could ultimately influence the outcome.

"We are not panicking. This is a battle where Chiwenga will do the least and Zimbabweans will themselves save the day," the source said.

The debate over CAB3 has also drawn attention to the role of influential business figures associated with the ruling party.

Businessmen such as Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Wicknell Chivayo have been mentioned by critics of the proposed amendments, who allege that wealthy political allies are backing efforts to secure support for the bill.

However, no evidence has been publicly produced to substantiate allegations that financial incentives are being used to influence parliamentary votes, and those accused have denied wrongdoing.

The source further referenced claims made by some retired military officers alleging that funds had been set aside to mobilise support for the legislation. These allegations have not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, support for CAB3 has emerged from sections of both Zanu PF and opposition legislators aligned to CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu.

Some lawmakers backing the bill argue that extending the electoral cycle would provide government with more time to implement development programmes and reduce the frequency and cost of elections.

Among those who have publicly expressed support for aspects of the proposed amendments are legislators who argue that policy continuity is necessary to achieve long-term economic and infrastructure goals.

Opponents, however, maintain that the proposed changes could weaken democratic accountability and undermine constitutional safeguards.

As parliamentary debate continues, CAB3 remains one of the most divisive political issues confronting Zimbabwe, with its eventual fate likely to have significant implications for both the country's constitutional framework and the future balance of power within Zanu PF.

For now, the debate has exposed deep political fault lines that extend beyond Parliament and into the ruling party's internal succession dynamics, setting the stage for what could become one of the defining political battles of the current administration.