News / National
Zanu-PF panics over anti-ED2030 pushback
4 hrs ago | Views
A viral video showing a group of ordinary Zimbabweans toyi-toying against the proposed extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term has exposed rising panic within ZANU-PF, with the ruling party now calling for the arrest of those involved in the flash protest.
The video, which surfaced on social media, captured the protesters in Bulawayo expressing their opposition to the push within ZANU-PF to amend the Constitution and extend Mnangagwa's term from 2028 to 2030. While Mnangagwa himself has repeatedly stated that he is a constitutionalist and has no intention of staying beyond his constitutionally-mandated term, a faction within the ruling party, often referred to as the "2030ists," has been vocal in advocating for the extension.
Despite Mnangagwa's assertions, the debate has intensified, with critics, including opposition figures and civil society groups, warning that amending the Constitution for personal gain could destabilize the country.
Information Minister Jenfan Muswere responded to the backlash by stating that there is nothing criminal about discussing the 2030 agenda in Zimbabwe's democratic space. However, the viral protest video, which shows citizens voicing their displeasure against the proposed term extension, has prompted a strong reaction from ZANU-PF officials.
ZANU-PF's Bulawayo information desk took to X (formerly Twitter), accusing opposition leaders and civil society organizations of inciting the protests. The party claimed that the gatherings, which appeared to be a reaction to the proposed constitutional amendment, were part of a broader effort to stir emotions and undermine the government.
"These gatherings are seemingly a response to the ZANU-PF resolution to extend President Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028, but their true intention is to stir emotions against the government and the President," the post read.
The statement also warned that those hosting such gatherings at their premises could face legal consequences, as the ruling party claims the protests could incite unrest similar to the 2019 unrest in Bulawayo, which saw looting and violence.
Reports indicate that police are investigating the protest video, although national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi was unavailable for comment.
ZANU-PF spokesperson Farai Marapira responded to the protests, stating that while Zimbabweans have the right to express their views, they should do so in accordance with the law. He emphasized that the law must be respected and that those pushing for an extension of Mnangagwa's term should not be silenced.
"Democracy entails people respecting other people's opinions," Marapira told NewsDay. "Those who want the President to continue are expressing their views, and they should not be stifled. We encourage those who want to protest to do it under the ambit of the law."
However, the protests have sparked criticism from political and civil society groups. MDC spokesperson Lloyd Damba condemned the government's response, accusing the ruling party of bullying dissenting voices. Damba argued that the church, which has also voiced concerns over the term extension, was merely expressing a legitimate concern about the political stability of the country.
"It is a fact that the proposed amendments are self-serving and very selfish, which may lead to civil strife in the country," Damba said. "By openly bullying the church, the government is making it clear that dissent is a no-go area and will not be tolerated by those in power today."
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, a group of civil society organizations, has also raised alarms over the proposed amendments. The coalition held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss strategies to resist changes to the Constitution, expressing concerns that the push for term extension could fuel civil unrest.
The situation is drawing parallels to the tumultuous period leading up to the fall of former President Robert Mugabe, who was ousted in a 2017 military coup after failing to manage his succession. As calls for the extension of Mnangagwa's term grow, tensions are rising within both the ruling party and among ordinary Zimbabweans, further complicating the nation's already volatile political landscape.
The video, which surfaced on social media, captured the protesters in Bulawayo expressing their opposition to the push within ZANU-PF to amend the Constitution and extend Mnangagwa's term from 2028 to 2030. While Mnangagwa himself has repeatedly stated that he is a constitutionalist and has no intention of staying beyond his constitutionally-mandated term, a faction within the ruling party, often referred to as the "2030ists," has been vocal in advocating for the extension.
Despite Mnangagwa's assertions, the debate has intensified, with critics, including opposition figures and civil society groups, warning that amending the Constitution for personal gain could destabilize the country.
Information Minister Jenfan Muswere responded to the backlash by stating that there is nothing criminal about discussing the 2030 agenda in Zimbabwe's democratic space. However, the viral protest video, which shows citizens voicing their displeasure against the proposed term extension, has prompted a strong reaction from ZANU-PF officials.
ZANU-PF's Bulawayo information desk took to X (formerly Twitter), accusing opposition leaders and civil society organizations of inciting the protests. The party claimed that the gatherings, which appeared to be a reaction to the proposed constitutional amendment, were part of a broader effort to stir emotions and undermine the government.
"These gatherings are seemingly a response to the ZANU-PF resolution to extend President Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028, but their true intention is to stir emotions against the government and the President," the post read.
The statement also warned that those hosting such gatherings at their premises could face legal consequences, as the ruling party claims the protests could incite unrest similar to the 2019 unrest in Bulawayo, which saw looting and violence.
Reports indicate that police are investigating the protest video, although national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi was unavailable for comment.
ZANU-PF spokesperson Farai Marapira responded to the protests, stating that while Zimbabweans have the right to express their views, they should do so in accordance with the law. He emphasized that the law must be respected and that those pushing for an extension of Mnangagwa's term should not be silenced.
"Democracy entails people respecting other people's opinions," Marapira told NewsDay. "Those who want the President to continue are expressing their views, and they should not be stifled. We encourage those who want to protest to do it under the ambit of the law."
However, the protests have sparked criticism from political and civil society groups. MDC spokesperson Lloyd Damba condemned the government's response, accusing the ruling party of bullying dissenting voices. Damba argued that the church, which has also voiced concerns over the term extension, was merely expressing a legitimate concern about the political stability of the country.
"It is a fact that the proposed amendments are self-serving and very selfish, which may lead to civil strife in the country," Damba said. "By openly bullying the church, the government is making it clear that dissent is a no-go area and will not be tolerated by those in power today."
The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, a group of civil society organizations, has also raised alarms over the proposed amendments. The coalition held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss strategies to resist changes to the Constitution, expressing concerns that the push for term extension could fuel civil unrest.
The situation is drawing parallels to the tumultuous period leading up to the fall of former President Robert Mugabe, who was ousted in a 2017 military coup after failing to manage his succession. As calls for the extension of Mnangagwa's term grow, tensions are rising within both the ruling party and among ordinary Zimbabweans, further complicating the nation's already volatile political landscape.
Source - newsday
