Mnangagwa’s Promise of Constitutional Adherence Cast in Doubt Amid Contradictory Actions.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent pledge to step down in 2028, in accordance with Zimbabwe’s constitutional two-term limit, has come under scrutiny as recent actions and remarks suggest a lack of commitment to this promise. While speaking to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, Mnangagwa declared:
“We have now limited the terms of presidency—just two terms, five to five. If you are able to have two terms, then the maximum a person can remain in office is two terms. But beyond that, you know the Constitution forbids it… Even if the people would love me to stay, I will still go away because I believe constitutionalism is important. In fact, you must give your people a chance to have other people come. Ten years is not a short period.”
However, this statement sharply contrasts with recent developments that suggest Mnangagwa’s commitment to constitutionalism may be performative rather than genuine. Critics point to the president’s political history, particularly the events of August 1, 2018, when the army was deployed to quash protests over disputed election results, leading to civilian deaths. This violent crackdown undermined Mnangagwa’s initial promises of democratic reform following Robert Mugabe’s ousting.
More recently, concerns have been amplified by a controversial gathering at Mnangagwa’s farm during his holiday, where he hosted opposition MPs. During this event, former ZANU-PF Information Minister Webster Shamu openly suggested disregarding constitutional term limits, saying: “The children have wept, boss,” a symbolic plea for Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2028. Mnangagwa’s failure to challenge or rebuke this statement has raised alarm bells among observers who fear he may not honor his pledge to step down.
These developments paint a contradictory picture. While Mnangagwa positions himself on the international stage as a champion of constitutionalism, his domestic political conduct tells a different story. Hosting opposition MPs and permitting unchecked statements advocating a breach of constitutional limits suggest a strategy aimed at consolidating power, potentially laying the groundwork for a term extension.
Zimbabweans, having endured decades of authoritarian rule under Robert Mugabe, are acutely aware of the gap between political rhetoric and reality. Mnangagwa’s repeated emphasis on constitutional adherence will mean little without concrete action, such as publicly disavowing any calls for a third term and strengthening the independence of democratic institutions.
As 2028 approaches, the stakes are high. Mnangagwa’s credibility, and the future of Zimbabwe’s fragile democracy, rest on his willingness to match words with deeds. Until then, his promise remains overshadowed by actions that suggest a potential disregard for the very constitutionalism he claims to uphold.