Chamisa says ‘the cat is now out of the bag’ as he accuses Mnangagwa of power grab

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of manipulating Zimbabwe’s Constitution to extend his stay in power, saying recent political developments had exposed what he described as the ruling establishment’s “endgame”.

In a statement titled “The Cat Now Out of the Bag”, Chamisa said the recalls of CCC legislators linked to Sengezo Tshabangu, along with his own departure from the party, had been part of a broader political strategy that many had failed to recognise. “When Tshabangu happened and when I left the CCC snake pit, many were simply too slow to see ED’s endgame: manipulating the Constitution and using every available means to illegally extend illegitimate term in office,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing controversy over Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which altered Zimbabwe’s presidential and parliamentary tenure framework. Chamisa accused the Mnangagwa administration of using money, state resources and political influence to consolidate power. “With what I have personally been through and what we are witnessing now, Mugabe almost looks like an amateur or a baby when it comes to dictatorship and tyranny,” he said.

He alleged that the scale of political bribery, infiltration and manipulation was unprecedented. “The scale of bribery, infiltration and manipulation through money, trinkets, state capture and the abuse of power is staggering. It is operating at a level never imagined or witnessed before.”

Chamisa’s comments follow Mnangagwa’s move to implement new constitutional provisions, including the appointment of 10 additional senators to the upper house. Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda announced the nominees, recommended by the President, as Jabulani Sibanda, Mary Mliswa, Nokhutula Matsikinyere, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Godwills Masimirembwa, Lucy Chitaga, retired Major‑General Gibson Mashingaidze, Makosini Hlongwane, Brilliant Dube and Irene Mutumba. Mudenda said the nominees were selected on the basis of their “professional skills and other competencies”.

Critics have interpreted the appointments as part of a broader consolidation of presidential influence following the passage of Amendment No. 3.

Chamisa said recent developments had exposed individuals he described as “pretenders and infiltrators”. “But then fighting evil is never easy and will not stop. The struggle continues,” he said. Despite his criticism, Chamisa struck a defiant tone, saying he remained optimistic about political change. “Hope is not lost. Good will ultimately win and defeat all evil,” he said.

He added that the developments had created an opportunity for his political movement to rebuild without individuals whose loyalties were uncertain. “The true colours are coming out. Only that we know what most people don’t. Now it’s easy to start afresh because pretenders and infiltrators are now fully known and more will come out. We’re starting all over again. A fresh start!”

Chamisa ended the statement by promoting his emerging political initiative, the New Citizens Movement, using the slogan #TheNew #Citizens #Movement.

His remarks signal continued opposition to Mnangagwa’s administration and suggest he intends to rebuild his political base outside CCC structures destabilised by recalls, internal divisions and leadership disputes. The statement comes amid renewed debate over Zimbabwe’s constitutional order, presidential powers and the extent to which the 2026 constitutional changes have reshaped the country’s political landscape. This discussion feeds into wider debates around constitutional reform and executive power consolidation.