ZIMBABWE finds itself at yet another critical crossroads. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is manoeuvring to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional limit, aiming to remain in power until 2030. With a big portion of his own party against it, move echoes the failed attempt by Grace Mugabe to seize control prior to the 2017 military intervention. Just as Grace’s ambitions caused political instability, Mnangagwa’s efforts risk further destabilising both ZANU-PF and the country, reigniting fears of authoritarian rule.
Under Mnangagwa’s leadership, the government is attempting to override the country’s constitution, which was carefully crafted to ensure peaceful political transitions. This bold, audacious push is a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law, further entrenching corruption and misrule. For a nation already grappling with economic collapse, hyperinflation, and widespread poverty, this move is a betrayal of the hopes Zimbabweans had for a brighter future.
Prominent journalist and activist Hopewell Chin’ono has been one of the loudest voices condemning this unconstitutional effort. He has called the plan “a clear assault on the democratic aspirations of Zimbabweans,” describing Mnangagwa’s government as “a personal fiefdom, ruled by a corrupt mafia.”
These charges are not unfounded. Under Mnangagwa’s rule, Zimbabwe’s government has become synonymous with looting, nepotism, and harsh repression. The president and his inner circle—his family included—have enriched themselves by plundering the nation’s resources, while ordinary Zimbabweans struggle daily. The push to amend the constitution is not about governance or national stability, but rather about consolidating power and continuing the systematic looting of the country’s wealth.
When Mnangagwa took power in 2017 after the coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, many Zimbabweans were hopeful. They believed a new era of reform, economic revival, and democracy had arrived. But nearly eight years into his presidency, it is clear that Mnangagwa’s government is no different—if not worse—than the one it replaced.
The 2013 constitution, which was adopted following a national referendum, represents one of Zimbabwe’s most significant democratic milestones. It limits the presidency to two five-year terms, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. Yet, Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his rule until 2030 would turn the constitution into an instrument of oppression, instead of a safeguard of democracy.
At the heart of Zimbabwe’s crisis is the deep-rooted corruption that defines Mnangagwa’s administration. The president and his family have used their positions to amass a vast fortune. His sons, Collins and Emmerson Jr., have been linked to numerous scandals, ranging from gold smuggling to illicit fuel deals. These activities continue to line the pockets of the Mnangagwa family, while most Zimbabweans face an ever-worsening economic situation.
The human toll of this corruption is staggering. Zimbabwe’s once-thriving economy, once dubbed the “breadbasket of Africa,” is now in ruins. Hyperinflation has rendered the Zimbabwean dollar almost worthless; unemployment is above 90%, and basic services like healthcare and education have all but collapsed. Public sector workers often go for months without pay, while corruption runs rampant.
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This economic devastation is not some inevitable disaster—it is the direct consequence of decades of mismanagement, looting, and greed. Mnangagwa and his cronies have consistently chosen personal enrichment over national development, draining billions of dollars through corrupt deals. The Mnangagwa administration has shown zero tolerance for dissent. Anyone who dares to speak out against the corruption and failures of the government, like Hopewell Chin’ono, has been targeted with arrests on trumped-up charges. The government has weaponised the judiciary to silence opposition and ensure that no one holds them accountable.
However, activists both in Zimbabwe and abroad have not been silenced. Civil society groups, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens continue to speak out against the abuses of the Mnangagwa government, despite the risks involved. In the United Kingdom, for example, activists have been holding demonstrations at the Zimbabwean embassy for years, exposing the ongoing human rights violations in the country. As one activist from the organisation ROHR put it, “Zimbabwe’s future cannot be left in the hands of a corrupt elite; we must liberate our future.” The battle to prevent Mnangagwa’s unconstitutional term extension is not just a legal struggle—it is a fight for the very soul of Zimbabwe. Allowing him to disregard the constitution would set a dangerous precedent, turning Zimbabwe into a full-blown dictatorship. Mnangagwa’s attempt to extend his presidency to 2030 is a flagrant assault on Zimbabwe’s democratic ideals. Under his leadership, corruption has become institutionalised, with the president and his family treating the country’s resources as their own personal wealth.
As Zimbabwe faces this critical moment, the people must stand united to protect their constitution and demand a government that serves the people, not the few. The fight for democracy is far from over, but with unity and determination, Zimbabwe can still chart a path towards justice, accountability, and a brighter future.
