Churches warn Mnangagwa

Churches in Zimbabwe have urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to reject calls for a third term, warning that such a move would amount to a betrayal of the country's constitution. Mnangagwa, whose second and final five-year term is set to end in 2028, has publicly stated he has no intention to stay beyond his constitutional limit. However, his silence on lobbying efforts by loyalists pushing for his continued rule until 2030 or beyond has raised concerns.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) described any attempt to amend the constitution to extend Mnangagwa's term as a direct attack on democratic principles. ZHOCD, which represents the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops' Conference, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, and the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa, issued a strong warning against such moves.

"The call to extend the presidential term limits and postpone the 2028 elections is an invitation for the president to be a co-conspirator in overthrowing the constitution of the country, which the president is elected to uphold, respect, and defend," the ZHOCD said.

The church leaders said they found some solace in Mnangagwa's public remarks affirming his commitment to the constitution. However, they voiced alarm over recent statements by some MPs and political activists urging the president to extend his time in office.

The ZHOCD further urged Mnangagwa to resist the temptation to pursue such a path, emphasizing that doing so would serve "the greater good of the country." They also called on the president to champion constitutional adherence and support a peaceful transfer of power in 2028 following free, fair, and credible elections.

The bishops cautioned that any move to extend Mnangagwa's term could severely damage public trust in Zimbabwe's electoral processes. They warned it could destabilize the nation at a time when unity and peace are essential for economic and social recovery.

"Extending the presidential term limits may irretrievably erode public trust in the electoral processes in Zimbabwe and would destabilize the country at a time when unity and peace are most needed for our economic and social transformation," the ZHOCD warned.

The church leaders also called for immediate electoral reforms, highlighting the need for regular, free, and fair elections to ensure accountability, transparency, and the peaceful transfer of power.

Meanwhile, the push for a third term has galvanized opposition parties, who have vowed to campaign against such a constitutional amendment. They have pledged to mobilize citizens for a resounding "no" vote should the matter proceed to a referendum.

The debate over term limits has sparked intense discussions across the political and civic spectrum, with many viewing the outcome as a critical test of Zimbabwe's democratic integrity.